Philippe Berthier, Paris (1841-1851) - Egg cup - Eierdop - .950 silver

Egg cup with floral motifs and a still blank initial cartouche on the lobed facets of the cup. Cannelure-pattern in the foot.
Silver .950 ('Great guarantee', fineness 950/1000).
France, transition from Eclecticism to Art Nouveau (circa 1880).
3 x noted:
- In the chalice:
The Minerva head with the number '1' in an octagonal frame (.950 silver) - the highest French standard;
- In the foot:
The same Minerva head and the hallmark of silversmith Philippe Berthier, set in a diamond-shaped
a cartouche with his initials 'P B', and with a bird between them (pigeon, stork, heron?...) An inlay.
'symbol' was used in France to distinguish between silversmiths with identical
Initials.
Dimensions: Weight: 30 g.
An exceptional 'collector's item', both because of the workmanship, the silver content, and the very good condition in which it is. The photos form an essential part of the description.