French Silver “Dieu Protège La France” Tastevin Wine Taster

A classic French silver tastevin in the traditional Burgundian style, raised from a single 5-franc silver coin using only hammers and other hand tools to shape the flat coin into a finished tastevin. Only a handful of master silversmiths were able to raise a tastevin with the words “DIEU PROTEGE LA FRANCE” (“God protect France”), originally found around the outer edge of the coin, still visible along the lip of the finished piece. The legend may have held particular patriotic significance in occupied France during World War II. The last silversmith proven to have mastered the skill stopped working in 1968. This example is finished with the traditional coiled snake handle thought to represent “temptation” in the guise of the serpent from the Garden of Eden and a repousse garland of roses around the bowl. Coin tastevins were small, but functional, and may also have been worn as novelty jewelry. This example is engraved “Louise” on the outside of the bowl. The tastevin is stamped with French silver marks and has a partial silversmith’s mark.

• Origin: France, c. 1940
• Dimensions: 2” x 2-13/16”
• Weight: 29.0 g