Absinthe bistro saucers served a dual purpose in the pre-ban absinthe era. Besides serving as a coaster, they were also used to indicate the price of absinthe or drink. The price printed onto the bottom or side of the saucer corresponded with a colour painted on the outside rim. This coloured rim was used to tell the waiter how much to charge the customer by reading the different saucer colours when stacked. For instance, if three dark blue-rimmed saucers were stacked, the waiter would know to charge the customer 9 French francs. When paying the bill, the money was generally left inside the coaster.
- High quality porcelain.
- Hand painted rim and pinwheel lines.
- Paint and text are fired into the saucer.
- Saucer measures approximately 4.75" in diameter by .75" tall.
- Height inside saucer measures .5".
- Will accommodate a 3.3" diameter glass base and smaller.