Bring a touch of authentic French café culture into your home with this charming set of six vintage French porcelain café price saucers, also known by collectors as French café tipping plates. Produced by Louis Lourioux for Le Faune in France, this complete set dates to the mid-20th century and includes its original “Café Coasters of Paris” presentation box. Inspired by the bustling cafés and bistros of France, these porcelain saucers feature the traditional franc denominations once used to identify the price of beverages served in cafés. Before the widespread use of modern cash registers, price-marked saucers like these helped café staff quickly recognize the cost of a customer’s order while also providing a convenient place for payment and change. This charming tradition is famously associated with the Parisian café culture described by Ernest Hemingway in A Moveable Feast. Unlike many surviving examples, each saucer in this set is decorated with its own whimsical French café name, vibrant colored rim, and unique price in French francs, details that add both character and collectibility. This complete set includes: Au Dragon Vert (The Green Dragon) – Green – 0.50 francs Au Chat qui pêche (The Fishing Cat) – Pink – 0.75 francs Au Papillon Bleu (The Blue Butterfly) – Light Blue – 1.00 franc Au Chien qui fume (The Smoking Dog) – Yellow – 1.25 francs À la Belle Hélène (Beautiful Helen) – Orange – 1.50 francs Au Petit Marin (The Little Sailor) – Royal Blue – 1.75 francs Each saucer bears the Fireproof Porcelain – Le Faune – Lourioux – Made in France backstamp, identifying them as products of the renowned French porcelain manufacturer. The original presentation box, labeled “Café Coasters of Paris,” is included, making this an especially desirable collector’s set. Whether displayed on a coffee table, styled in a French country kitchen, or added to a collection of European decorative arts, these delightful saucers celebrate the charm and everyday elegance of traditional French café life. Excellent vintage condition with no chips or cracks and only minimal wear consistent with age and gentle use. Original presentation box included. Complete boxed sets featuring six graduated franc denominations, whimsical café names, and Louis Lourioux maker’s marks are increasingly difficult to find, making this a wonderful addition for collectors of French café memorabilia, vintage European porcelain, or anyone who appreciates the timeless charm of France. A delightful celebration of French history and café culture perfectly timed for Bastille Day or for anyone who dreams of a café terrace in Paris.
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