Antique TASTEVIN Pewter French Dragon and Shell MINT Fountainebleu King Francis I Dragon - Rose & Crown Mark Start Price USD 45.00 Current Price USD 45.00 Time Left - Bid Count 2 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Saturday, October 11, 2008 End Time Saturday, October 18, 2008 Location Redwood City, California See more about 'Antique TASTEVIN Pewter French Dragon and Shell MINT' Description Note to my lovely customers:  INCLUDED in U.S. shipping is a FREE Proof of Delivery via USPS,   a  .75 cents value on all packages. - INSURANCE IS OPTIONAL ON MOST ITEMS AND BASED ON FINAL PRICE. INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS - please use whatever protections your country allows and what you feel the need for above  standard Customs forms.  (More International mailing information below.) PLEASE ASK SHIPPING COSTS BEFORE YOU BID ! ! !  I SHIP WORLD WIDE VIA  UNITED STATES FIRST CLASS INTERNATIONAL MAIL ONLY. Antique Vintage (Date unknown) Tastevin (Wine Tasting Cup) UNIQUE One of A Kind KING Francis I of France 1546 Chateau Fountainebleu Castle DragonWith Scallop Shell Handle MADE IN FRANCE  and MINT Condition! Made of fine pewter - and the image is of the famous Fountainebleu Dragon of the king of France, Francis I circa 1546 - same as the date on the medallion.  The Chateau medallion is dated 1546 - when Francis I finished the renovation of the Chateau de Fountainebleu.  (Francis I died in 1547) Image here of the same Dragon that is depicted on the Tastevin on a door at Fountainebleu in France: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hansecoloursmay/1350832041/in/set-72157601926388760/ And the Dragon on a ceiling capstone medallion in the chapel of the Chateau: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hansecoloursmay/1350833671/in/set-72157601926388760/ This beautiful Tastevin is marked on the back in relief with the "crown and rose" mark used on Pewter . I can't find what the name of the maker is.  If you know Pewter, you probably know the maker (Could you pleaselet me know?)  See a picture of the Crown and Rose mark here: (scroll down a bit - it's the mark on the right without the circle around it...) http://www.almosteurope.com/ABavarian/Products/Klein/Information/aboutpewterEN.htm ALSO raised relief mark MADE IN FRANCE on the back of the handle (May help date the piece to AFTER the Mann act).  SPEAKING of the handle - it is a beautiful scallop shell design, and is applied to the piece. The bas relief dragon is over a stylized F (For Francis I or France?) and the royal crown is at the top  (See the photo of the Medallion - it is just like that!)    As you can see in the photo, the image of the Dragon is also on the back in reverse relief.  The bottom is shiny, and the upper portion of Tastevin is matte.  I'll leave it to you to polish or not to your liking. NO DAMAGE - one ding in the inside of the cup - but it may polish out.  NOT a porringer - this measures 3 inches across the bowl and 1 inch deep.  Measured with the shell handle - it is 4 & 5/16 inches across.  Nice and THICK pewter - weighs an impressive 4.5 ounces of pure pewter. Beautiful, UNIQUE Gift for the Wine connoisseur, Vintner, wine afficianado, enologist, sommelier, wine lover, wine taster, Pewter Collector or anyone who appreciates a beautiful piece of pewter artwork!  Impress your next wine tasting club goers with this UNIQUE and very special Tastevin.  This would also make a beautiful museum piece, since it is so unique - such a beautiful representation of France's first Renaissance King and his legacy of bringing arts and education to France to wrest her from Medieval times and into the Renaissance - indeed it can be said be gave birth to the France we know today. ANY Questions?  Please E-Mail me, I'll be happy to answer! CHRISTMAS & THE HOLIDAYS are fast approaching!  Save gas and shop for that special and unique gift here today!  Much more coming in the next few months - including FINE JEWELRY and wonderful antiques and rare collectibles!  Be sure to add me to your favorites list!  And be sure to Check out my other items!  I'll happily combine shipping! Guaranteed as described.  If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase,  please contact me immediately with any concerns for a hassle-free resolution.  If I love it, you'll love it - and I love it!  WILL be mailed securely to protect from damage and maintain it's beautiful condition. I PREFER PayPal (Credit Cards accepted with PayPal), Money Orders, Cashiers Checques.  PLEASE ADD INSURANCE IF YOU REQUIRE IT!  INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS:  Please inquire about shipping rates BEFORE bidding!  If you do NOT inquire BEFORE bidding, Please WAIT UNTIL I SEND INVOICE with international shipping rates before submitting payment!  PLEASE ask any questions PRIOR to bidding! GOOD LUCK & HAPPY BIDDING! Be sure to add me to your favorites list!         Please check out my other items! Sign up for PayPal; the fast, easy, and secure way to pay online.  Member of the BFTP Community! ORGANIC ACAI FROM SAMBAZON HERE!  http://www.myreferer.com/mydb/?M=sambazon&ID=celiene&L=1 Powered by eBay Turbo ListerThe free listing tool. List your items fast and easy and manage your active items. Place a Bid!