Fabulous antique French liqueur or aperitif service, c.1850-80, Unsigned Baccarat. The set includes 3 carafe with stoppers, 9 cups, all in pristine condition, and the original tray which has a flashing chip on one back corner (see images). The French aperitif is a must, appetite-wetting shot of liqueur (here you can serve 3 in variety) to sip ahead of dining. Often used after meal, too, or just when friends drop by ahead of going out. I've used many of our sets, enjoyed being a guest in French homes in which it would unheard of to not serve aperitif. There are no more beautiful sets than the raised gold enameled ones like this stunning Baccarat set. While I think it would originally have had 12 cups, or at least 10, you have a service for a party of 8 plus a spare on hand just in case. The cartoon (small carafe) are also used at table as wine or water jugs during the formal meal, enabling guests to refill their own glass. We use them 1 for each couple. Just in from France.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, one chip on the back corner of the large original tray, but not even a tiny nip on any of the serving pieces. One could certainly have the corner's flashing ship ground out and re-gilted if one wishes. Note the beautiful faceted form, thick make, pristine handles and all of that elegant raised gold. Tray is larger than most at 13" x 9 1/4". I think
