Antique French Liqueur Set: Tray, 2 Decanters & 9 Stem Cordials, Gold Enamel

A spectacular set in the finest 19th century French tradition. Before a meal, an aperitif would be offered one's guests. All French homes would have a service, and they vary in either simple and whimsey to elegance and formal opulence. This one is opulent. It is the work of one of a handful of top glass and crystal houses (shops/atelier) and would be either St. Louis (my best guess) or perhaps Baccarat. Dating last half of 1800s, (Napoleon III era) this one is remarkably unscathed by time, in that it still has both decanters, original stoppers, 9 of an original 12 stem cordials, and the original tray. Celeste or Sevres blue, a personal favorite color for table service, it is hand decorated in raised gold enamel and is jewel-like, truly. The stem cordials rather than the more typical small handled cups seems somehow more elegant, too. Doesn't it. You'll have a service for 8 plus a spare stem.

Very good to excellent for age and type. I find one nip and one flake nip on the rim of the tray, which we didn't touch up with gold because we wanted you to know it's there. You can certainly touch it up if it bothers you. They show as small black dots on the gold rim, to the right side of our photos of the tray. Measurements for all pieces will be found noted on our photos. The cordials and decanters are free of chips. Perhaps a slight roughness on a rim if you run finger round it, but nothing that catches an eye. Elegant set! Tray is 12" x 8.25" and is 1.5" deep. Other measurements can be found on photos. These are the "carafon" size decanters made especially for liqueurs, and can also be used for individual wine decanters at place settings on your dining table, without the tray and cordials. Versatile table! Our photos are large and clear. We do expect our customers to review them all, evaluate the item based on both our description and our images. Thanks for all the compliments - we love what we do! Antiques & Uncommon Treasure - all the best, all the time!

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