Exquisite antique Belle Epoque era French sterling silver and cut crystal liquor service, 10-pieces all decorated in fabulous Louis XVI/Rococo styling. The set includes eight cordial goblets, a large serving tray and decanter (claret jug or wine ewer). The decanter and goblets feature quality glass or crystal accented in wheel cut spiral fluting enhanced with sterling silver .950/1000 mounts. An elaborate motif of flowers and rocailles adorns the elegant neck of the decanter, with elaborate scrolling handle and duck-bill shaped hinged lid enhanced in gold vermeil finish to the interior. Topped by an impressive finial, solid and finely casted 3-dimensional model of a dragon with wings outspread. Resting on an opulent sterling silver pedestal base richly decorated with openwork. Each goblet features a spiral fluted cut crystal insert mounted onto an ornate sterling silver pedestal base. The serving tray is magnificent, asymmetrical in form and of substantial size for the table, decorated with a thick border of scrollwork, flowers and leaves. The center monogrammed with engraved initials GM or MG. Each piece is fully hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark used from 1838, which depicts the goddess Minerva with a number 1 beside her to denote a silver content of 950/1000 (of 95% pure silver and a higher finesse than .925 sterling). Bearing maker's marks for silversmith Henri Soufflot, Paris circa 1884-1910.
Dimensions:
The decanter measures 8 3/8" height x 4 3/4" wide. The goblets are 3" tall x 1 1/8" diameter opening. There is some slight variance in the height of the goblets as they are individually hand blown glass inserts. The tray is 14 1/2" length x 10 1/4" wide. The tray weighs 898.2 grams alone.