In the finest French traditions, one would have a water and evening drink set available at bedside, both for guests of the Chateau or 'hotel', as a home is known, and as well for the master's chambers. Those evening refreshment sets are called 'bonne nuit' or, literally, 'good night'. It's getting rarer to find these old bonne nuit sets complete, as many have lost the tumbler (timbale) or the under plate, or the flask (flacon) fitted into the larger decanter, serving as both stopper for the larger water decanter, and also holder for an aperitif or small 'nip' of flavored liqueur. This is one of three that we're adding this week, all complete but for the small cup, tumbler or "timbale" that would have rested on the top of the decanter. A charming tradition and a fabulous antique set to use in your own evening's 'go to bed' ritual. The set shown here has wheel cut faceted blown glass of fine quality, further enhanced by elegant old French sterling silver. The silver portions all bear the Minerve or Minerva hallmark, the tiny number "1" in the upper right corner is the French control and guarantee of .950/1000 pure silver (95% pure and so higher than the .925 standard for "sterling" silver). The silversmith marks are legible, appear to be "LXL" but I've not found reference as of listing. Opulent! You'll want to have your own set, and this is a nice one. Very few faults, and minor at that.
Very good condition for age and type, this set is complete as you see it other than missing the cup that would have rested upside down on the top of the decanter. The set consists of an under plate or tray, decanter and inset flask that holds approximately one 'jigger' of liqueur. No chips or nips or cracks in any of the glass other than a small one on the inside rim of the decanter (shown in the images). A wonderful set even missing the cup - ambiance and then some! See pictures for all measurements.
