Have it delivered hassle-freeBuyer protectionAll Designer items curated by WhoppahDownload the Whoppah App – get alerts & sell with ease.
Limoges porcelain bistro bowls (France), early 20th century
€85Bid from €80
Buy with confidence
Shop & pay safely with Buyer ProtectionDesigner items curated by WhoppahWe only pay the seller once you have safely received the itemTrusted payment methods
About this seller
ProfessionalProduct description
A rare, mismatched set of six Limoges porcelain coin trays or bistro saucers, all stamped and dating from the first half of the 20th century.
Each piece features a colored rim and a number in the center or on the edge followed by the symbol "₣" (Francs), indicating the price of the drink (2f, 3f, 6f, 7f, 8f).
At the beginning of the 20th century, these small porcelain saucers, known as price saucers or coin trays, were ubiquitous on the counters and tables of French cafés and bistros.
Their use was twofold and ingenious: the number inscribed in Francs corresponded exactly to the price of the drink served (a coffee, a half-pint of beer, or a glass of wine). When the waiter served the customer, he would stack the saucers as the drinks were served. In the end, you simply added up the amounts visible on the saucers to get the total. They also served as receptacles for the waiter's change and tip.
This set testifies to the high quality of bistro tableware from the beginning of the last century:
- AP & F: Stamped with the mark of the Albert Pillivuyt & Fils factory in Foëcy, dating from the period 1913 to 1936. Two of these saucers also bear the mark of the "Hotel Purchasing Center, 8 rue Masseran, Paris VIIe".
- Limoges Unique France: A renowned group of porcelain manufacturers from Limoges, established in the late 1920s (one of these also bears the stamp of the white porcelain manufacturer PL France and the decorator Hall Céramique Limoges).
Excellent overall condition. No chips, no cracks, no restoration. The porcelain is beautifully glossy, and the colors and numbers are very well preserved (see photos).
Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 2 cm.
Carefully packaged. I answer all your questions regarding the items and their delivery. Feel free to explore my Whoppah shop.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsWhiteMaterialPorcelainNumber of items1Height12 cmWidth12 cmDepth2 cm
Discover more
Seller information
About this seller
ProfessionalAuzas, FranceOn Whoppah since January 2026 • 4 sales