rare biberon d'invalide en argent, poinçon de maître R.SP, Berne, début du XVIIIe siècle

tiny nicks, but generally good condition, clear marks
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Les propriétés antiseptiques de l'argent étaient probablement connues davantage au XVIIIe siècle qu'elles ne le sont maintenant. Ces vertus faisaient de l'argent le medium idéal pour les ustensiles des apothicaires et biberons pour riches invalides et nourrissons. Si aujourd'hui l'expression "être né avec une cuillère d'argent dans la bouche" a une connotation négative, utiliser de l'argent pour donner de la nourriture à son enfant limitait considérablement les risques d'infection et la mortalité infantile.

The antiseptic properties of silver were perhaps better known in the 18th century than they are today. These properties made silver the ideal medium for apothecary's sets and feeding vessels for rich invalids and rich babies. The expression `to be born with a silver spoon in your mouth',  or having all the advantages from birth, in modern times has a negative connotation of unearned wealth. In the 18th century if you could afford to feed your baby from silver they had less chance of picking up infection and therefore a greater chance of survival