While I almost never buy one of these that is not Antique French sterling silver, I do thoroughly love the fine raised gold enamel on crystal and porcelain, and the maker's mark on bottom of this full-sized wine carafe is that of Armand Fresnais (working 1877-1927), combining a very beautiful, albeit silver plate (etain) mount with superb flask by Baccarat or perhaps Saint-Louis, each fine makers with lauded reputations. And as you can see on the final photo, it just looks wonderful with my own favorite French plates, settings. Time to let it go and downsize myself a bit. Full measurements are noted on the photos. The spigot cover opens and reveals an old wine cork, left to keep decanted wine fresher. You can see my informality and formality blended, can't you.
Very good to excellent for age and type, no chips, no damage in neck. The elegant raised gold enamel work is superb and also undamaged for age. I should have spent more time polishing the base, but it really does show beautifully at table, and someone with a little more elegance than my table requires might wish to apply the effort to bring that silver plate up a bit with polish. Such a beautiful old thing, and yet 1/3 the cost of one in finest sterling silver.
