Empire-Style Vermeil Sterling Silver Demitasse Cup and Saucer with Gold-Washed Interior
Diningware (Demitasse Cup and Saucer) · Yellow Gold (High Karat Gold Wash); the warm, saturated tone suggests a high-purity yellow gold alloy used primarily for decorative and anti-corrosive purposes on the vessel interior.
Purity: Vermeil / 24K Gold Wash; This is not solid gold but a layer of high-purity gold (typically 24K or 22K) electroplated over a base of .925 sterling silver. The interior displays the rich, lustrous hue of high-karat gold content.
Type
Diningware (Demitasse Cup and Saucer)
Purity
Vermeil / 24K Gold Wash; This is not solid gold but a layer of high-purity gold (typically 24K or 22K) electroplated over a base of .925 sterling silver. The interior displays the rich, lustrous hue of high-karat gold content.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (High Karat Gold Wash); the warm, saturated tone suggests a high-purity yellow gold alloy used primarily for decorative and anti-corrosive purposes on the vessel interior.
Weight
120 - 180 grams (combined weight); The weight consists primarily of the sterling silver core. Gold content is negligible by weight (microns thick) but high in surface area.
Description
An exquisite example of antique luxury dining, this demitasse set features a sterling silver body with a striking gold-washed interior. The exterior is adorned with intricate floral garlands and classical fluting, while the inner gold surface provided both a regal aesthetic and a functional barrier against the acidity of coffee. It represents the height of continental European coffee culture.
Key Features
Contrast between the oxidized silver exterior and the radiant gold interior; high-relief floral border; ornate 'S' scroll handle; traditional Empire-style symmetry.
Color & Finish
Two-tone finish: The interior features a high-polished, mirror-bright yellow gold wash. The exterior and saucer feature a tarnished or patinated silver finish (antique silver) with high-relief floral and fluted motifs.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks on the bottom of the cup and saucer rim: silver purity (925 or 800), maker's mark (possibly French or Italian), and sometimes a 'Vermeil' stamp. Common indicators for high-quality sets include export or assay office hallmarks.
Dimensions Estimate
Cup height: 4-5cm; Cup diameter: 5-6cm; Saucer diameter: 10-12cm; Petite size consistent with traditional European espresso/demitasse service.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; decoration is achieved through metallurgical techniques including repoussé, chasing, and the contrast between patinated silver and gold wash.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; features a decorative cast handle in a scrolled or Neoclassical motif attached to the cup body.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; base of cup features a footed design, and saucer has a raised central well to secure the cup.
Craftsmanship Details
Cast handle and foot; chased and embossed floral details on the body. The gilding was likely applied via mercury gilding (older pieces) or electroplating, ensuring a seamless interior coating.
Authentication Indicators
The characteristic 'rich' color of the gold interior is typical of a high-karat wash over silver. If the item were base metal, copper or brass oxidation would be visible at the wear points. Weight should feel substantial but less than solid 18K gold.
Origin & Maker
Likely European (France, Italy, or Germany); the ornate relief work is characteristic of prestigious silver houses such as Christofle, Puiforcat, or German silversmiths from Hanau.
Era & Period
Empire or Neoclassical Revival (late 19th to early 20th century); characterized by the floral swags, fluted borders, and formal symmetry typical of the Napoleonic or Victorian era aesthetic.
Age Estimate
Circa 1880 - 1920; the casting technique and the wear on the gold wash at the rim are consistent with antique pieces from the late Victorian or Edwardian periods.
Cultural Significance
Demitasse sets like this were essential components of the 'Service à la française,' symbolizing status, hospitality, and the refinement of the upper classes during the 19th-century coffee house boom.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition: The gold wash shows minor thinning at the inner rim (commensurate with use). The silver exterior has a heavy patina which highlights the relief work. No visible dents or structural warping.
Value Estimate
$250 - $600 USD (As a set); Value is based primarily on the craftsmanship, antique appeal, and silver weight. The gold content adds a 'premium' aesthetic value rather than significant melt value.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only with mild soap and warm water. Avoid abrasive polishes on the gold interior as the gold layer is thin. Store in a tarnish-free cloth to protect the silver exterior.
Similar Items
Pure 18K gold espresso cups (rare and significantly heavier); Limoges porcelain cups with heavy 22K gold gilt; English Sheffield plate (silver over copper) demitasse sets.
Interesting Facts
The use of gold interiors (Vermeil) in drinking vessels was originally practical; it prevented the metallic taste of silver from affecting the flavor of the beverage and protected the silver from being pitted by acidic liquids.