Engraved French Cider Tankard c1820

Description

Heading : 19th century glass tankard
Date : c1820
Origin : France. most probably Normandy
Colour : Clear
Bowl : A waisted form engraved with ‘Coquerelle Parfait’ surrounded by a laurel wreath
Pontil : Polished
Glass Type : Soda
Size : 11.1cm tall with a 7.4cm bowl and a 6.7cm foot
Condition : Excellent. no chips or cracks
Restoration : None
Weight : 225 grams

Additional information: This charming tankard has been a mystery for quite a while and it was only on recent visit to Jersey that the meaning of “coquerelle parfait” came to light. If you use any French dictionary you will be advised that a coquerelle is a pasque flower or a cockroach in Quebec. On a recent trip to Jersey we managed to speak with someone who spoke Jerrais. the “Jersey patois” a variation of Norman French. We asked if “coquerelle” could be put in context and we were given a glass of cider. The most informative conversations always take place in pubs.

It transpires that Coquerelle is a variety of cider apple grown in both Jersey and Normandy. We were also advised that it has another meaning in Parisian argot. the equivalent of cockney rhyming slang. In this context it is a beautiful woman. The cider explanation being the more appropriate of the two.