Understanding French Silver Marks

 

Notes from 43 Chesapeake Court

At 43 Chesapeake Court, French silver is one of my favorite things to collect. The tiny marks found on these pieces are fascinating clues to their history—and learning to recognize them is part of the fun of collecting.

A Little History: Louis XIV and Louis XV

Most French silver found on the antique market today dates from the 1830s onward. Earlier French silver is much rarer, in part because of the enormous cost of French wars and the French Revolution.

Under Louis XIV and Louis XV, French noblemen were required at various times to surrender silver when the government needed funds after years of war. During the French Revolution, large quantities of silver were also melted down.

As a result, relatively little French silver from the 17th and first half of the 18th centuries survived.

French silver from the 17th through 19th centuries is known for exceptional quality and design. I have been fortunate to acquire and sell a few earlier pieces, including an English-acquired French silver apple corer dating to around 1770. It sold quickly and, appropriately, found its way back home to France.

The French Silver Standards

France has two principal standards for silver:

1st standard — .950 silver
2nd standard — .800 silver

For comparison, American and English sterling silver is generally .925 silver. French 1st-standard silver therefore contains more silver than what we typically call sterling.

Beginning May 10, 1838, the French used the Minerve (Minerva) mark to indicate the silver standard. The mark depicts the profile of the Roman goddess Minerva.

Minerve 1st Titre — .950 silver
The number 1 appears near the forehead.

Minerve 2nd Titre — .800 silver
The number 2 appears near or beneath the jaw.

An actual French silver hallmark is often much smaller—and much harder to read—than you might expect.

The number one near forehead or Minerve 1 -.950

The number two near or under the jaw or Minerve 2 - .800

 

The Maker’s Mark

The maker’s mark is where the detective work really begins.

French silver will usually have a maker’s mark, or poinçon de maître. This is a diamond-shaped mark containing the silversmith’s initials and a symbol.

These marks can be extremely small, and many have become worn from years of polishing and use. I photograph the marks on pieces I sell with a macro lens, but even a clear photograph does not always make them easy to decipher.

There are days when my desk looks like I collect jeweler’s loupes and reading glasses in several different strengths. If one doesn’t work, I move to the next!

When a maker’s mark can be identified, it can add another fascinating layer to a piece’s history. The clear mark shown here belongs to Philippe Berthier of Paris, 1841. His mark features a woodcock surrounded by the letters P and B.

The photographs in this article are of objects I have either sold or currently have in my collection.

 

 

A Quick Reference to French Silver Marks

French silver marks can be complicated, but the Minerve mark is a good place to start.

• Minerve 1 = .950 silver
• Minerve 2 = .800 silver
• Diamond-shaped maker’s mark = identifies the silversmith, when it can be determined
• Boar’s Head or Crab = .800 silver, often found on smaller objects
• Mercure, Weevil or Swan = marks associated with silver
• imported into France.

This is only a quick introduction to French silver marks. There is much more to discover when trying to date a piece or identify its maker.

If you are researching a piece of French silver, I hope this gives you a helpful place to begin. And if you enjoy the detective work as much as I do, you may soon find yourself reaching for a loupe.

French Silver at 43 Chesapeake Court

I’m always looking for French silver with beautiful design, interesting history and marks that tell a story. Some pieces are destined for the shop; others remain part of my own collection.

Explore My Antique French Silver Collection

 A selection of French silver collected for its craftsmanship, history and timeless beauty.

Each piece is hand-selected and documented with macro photography of the hallmarks as described above     

French Sterling Silver Napkin Ring, Odiot  |  Sterling Silver Timbale or Beaker  |  Antique Silver Baby's Rattle & Whistle

This is a quick explanation of French marks. If you are buying French silver or trying to identify French silver there are several websites on-line that offer more information.  Below are links to two sites that will be helpful.  Also, I highly recommend adding a copy of "International Hallmarks on Silver" by Tardy to your reference library.