1844–1862
Christofle
Unboxed oval with CC, bee and balance; compare the later oval enclosed in a square.
Country guide
French silver hallmarks
French silver hallmarks can accompany a separate lozenge with maker initials. A swan may appear on imported objects assayed in France.
Distinctive marks and standards
The traditional Minerva first-standard punch denotes 950 silver and the second denotes 800. A swan belongs to French marks for foreign-origin or other silver presented without a normal legible domestic mark.
What to check next
Compare the small numeral and the punch outline, not just the profile. A swan can occur on an object made outside France; the French assay mark and the place of manufacture answer different questions.
Related marks
5 marks
1862–1935
Christofle
Square outer frame and a rosette in place of the earlier bee; this is the ordinary later CC plated mark.
c. 1930–1935
Christofle
CC initials combine with a lined field and bee, unlike the ordinary rosette CC square.
1935–1983
Christofle
Chess-knight quality stamp without the later Roman grade numeral; compare post-1983 I or II versions.
From 1935
Christofle
OC initials and horizontally lined rectangular field distinguish it from CC marks; illustrated in the 1935–1983 group.