What is a silver-gilt mounted agate cup?

A silver-gilt mounted agate cup is a decorative vessel crafted from carved translucent agate stone and framed with gilded silver mounts, popularised in 19th-century Europe as cabinet display pieces.

What materials are traditionally used in mounted agate vessels?

These pieces combine carved natural banded agate with silver-gilt, also known as vermeil, where a layer of gold is applied over silver to provide a metallic accent surrounding the polished stone.

How can one identify authentic 19th-century French silver-gilt mounts?

Authentic French silver-gilt items typically feature official hallmarking, such as the Minerva head punch mark, along with hand-turned details and natural variations within the agate structure.

How can an antique agate cup be styled in modern interiors?

Small mounted stone vessels function well as decorative accents on a library desk, mantelpiece, or styled atop stacked art books on a sideboard.

How should antique silver-gilt and agate objects be maintained?

Clean gently using a soft, dry lint-free cloth, avoiding chemical polishes or water immersion that could strip the delicate gilt layer or compromise natural stone fissures.

for sale €1,030 $1,118

£880

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Antique French Silver Gilt Mounted Agate Cup/pitcher - 19th Century

Name: Antique French Silver Gilt Mounted Agate Cup/pitcher - 19th Century
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1219857
Price: 880 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Artisan Antiques

Description

We are delighted to offer this splendid silver gilt-mounted agate cup/pitcher made in France during the mid-late 19th century.

Striking, jewel-like and captivating upon first glance, this article presents a certain air of virtue and curiosity.

The agate has been beautifully carved out from one block and rounded, and hollowed out to a stunning banded design of orange tones, with a smooth surface finish.

Matching the agate's tone and splendour, the solid silver mounts have been finished with a Vermeil/silver gilt (gold on top of silver) surface, which wonderfully complements the overall warm colour.

The base also features a silver gilt foot which beautifully elevates the cup and completes its overall aesthetic proportions.

Overall, a unique, collectable, and fine piece of fine French antiqueware, ideal for collections or as a spectacular one-off accenting piece in a collection or interior setting.

Furthermore, owing to its cuplike shape, it could also be used to hold sweets, mints, medication or even as a small jewel display.

French hallmarks are present on the base of the mount and lid with 'Minerve 1' (950 silver standard for export).

*Please note: all images with other items are for display purposes only, this listing is for the title item only.

Size

Size (cm) L:8.5cm W:6.6cm H:3.6cm

Size (inches) L:3.34cm W:2.59cm H:1.41cm

Weight: 80.4 grams (2.58 Troy oz) total.

Condition

Great Condition - The cup is in great antique condition with no damage/issues. Some minor surface wear commensurate with age.

We aim to overemphasise and state these issues to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

Free Shipping

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.

*All parcels are insured - please rest assured all shipping liabilities other than import/customs duty are covered by Artisan Antiques.

*Colours of the product may slightly differ from the photos due to different computer screens & lighting conditions*

- Price negotiations may be possible under certain criteria, please contact us via telephone (07578761640) or email (info@artisanantiques.net) -

Declaration

Artisan Antiques has dated this Silver Gilt Agate Cup to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1219857

Dealers Notes

We strive to provide inimitable first-class service with your needs and satisfaction as our number one priority.

Description

We are delighted to offer this splendid silver gilt-mounted agate cup/pitcher made in France during the mid-late 19th century.

“

Striking, jewel-like and captivating upon first glance, this article presents a certain air of virtue and curiosity.

Artisan Antiques

fig 1. A 19th-century carved brown banded agate cup featuring a silver-gilt rim, pedestal base, and an ornate scroll handle. — fig 1. Antique French Silver Gilt Mounted Agate Cup/pitcher - 19th Century

The agate has been beautifully carved out from one block and rounded, and hollowed out to a stunning banded design of orange tones, with a smooth surface finish.

Matching the agate's tone and splendour, the solid silver mounts have been finished with a Vermeil/silver gilt (gold on top of silver) surface, which wonderfully complements the overall warm colour.

fig 2. A 19th-century carved brown banded agate cup featuring a silver-gilt rim, pedestal base, and an ornate scroll handle. — fig 2. Antique French Silver Gilt Mounted Agate Cup/pitcher - 19th Century

The base also features a silver gilt foot which beautifully elevates the cup and completes its overall aesthetic proportions.

Overall, a unique, collectable, and fine piece of fine French antiqueware, ideal for collections or as a spectacular one-off accenting piece in a collection or interior setting.

fig 3. A 19th-century carved brown banded agate cup featuring a silver-gilt rim, pedestal base, and an ornate scroll handle. — fig 3. Antique French Silver Gilt Mounted Agate Cup/pitcher - 19th Century

Furthermore, owing to its cuplike shape, it could also be used to hold sweets, mints, medication or even as a small jewel display.

French hallmarks are present on the base of the mount and lid with 'Minerve 1' (950 silver standard for export).

fig 4. A 19th-century carved brown banded agate cup featuring a silver-gilt rim, pedestal base, and an ornate scroll handle. — fig 4. Antique French Silver Gilt Mounted Agate Cup/pitcher - 19th Century

Please note: all images with other items are for display purposes only, this listing is for the title item only.

Size

Size (cm) L:8.5cm W:6.6cm H:3.6cm

Size (inches) L:3.34cm W:2.59cm H:1.41cm

Weight: 80.4 grams (2.58 Troy oz) total.

fig 5. A 19th-century carved brown banded agate cup featuring a silver-gilt rim, pedestal base, and an ornate scroll handle. — fig 5. Antique French Silver Gilt Mounted Agate Cup/pitcher - 19th Century

Condition

Great Condition - The cup is in great antique condition with no damage/issues. Some minor surface wear commensurate with age.

We aim to overemphasise and state these issues to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

fig 6. A 19th-century carved brown banded agate cup featuring a silver-gilt rim, pedestal base, and an ornate scroll handle. — fig 6. Antique French Silver Gilt Mounted Agate Cup/pitcher - 19th Century

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

Free Shipping

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.