Any fine French home of the 19th century would provide for inhabitants and also for guests, a decanter of fresh water or wine for the night, at bedside table. By later 1800s these "topper-up" style sets would also have an insert or a 2nd small decanter for libation or liqueur, but the earlier ones were just as you see this one: under tray, or platter, saucer, and the decanter and then the glass. The glass (timbale as they call them in France) was always up-turned and used to cover the decanter against dust, insects, evaporation (if alcohol). It's not too rare to find a decanter and under plate, but rare to find the entire set, unbroken and still together like this one. We'd estimate this one to be c.1830-50, but it could be earlier. Fabulous for your own use, or for a guest room, and gorgeous in your lighted vitrine along with other fine old opaline items, eggs, boxes.
EXCELLENT
