Gorgeous antique French 18k gold on sterling silver "vermeil" & thick, likely Bacarrat glass 12 5/8" 28 ounce claret jug with an ornate Louis XV or Rococo Revival styling and wonderful condition! Rococo revival, characterized by naturalistic ornamentation, the lid finial is crowned with a flower bud with leaves finial, flowing, asymmetrical lines: The handle and applied vermeil decoration have the sinuous "whiplash" curves associated with Art Nouveau rather than the more rigid symmetry of earlier revival styles would seem to place this one around the turn of the century. Applied floral garlands: The gilt silver mounts wrap around the neck and shoulder of the glass in a fluid, vine-like manner rather than in formal neoclassical swags. The elongated, bulbous and gently ribbed blown glass body complements the soft, organic metalwork and was a popular combination in luxury French decorative arts around the turn of the 20th century. The lid and mount both bear the French Minerve or Minerva hallmark, the rectangular rather than curved outer borders means they're in .950 silver under the gold plating (95% pure so above the .925 standard for "sterling" silver). The silversmith marks are for Tetard Freres, Paris circa early 1900s. A stunning piece in as near pristine condition as could be, don't miss it!
Very good to excellent condition. A slight bit of tarnish visible in the images, sorry, we'll be sure to polish again prior to shipping out. No dents, damage or repairs to the silver, no chips, cracks or damage to the thick, heavy glass. See images for all measurements.
