Large antique French sterling silver and cut crystal decanter or pitcher. Mounted with sterling silver collar and hinged lid, patterned with neoclassical Louis XVI ribbon and reed and stylized acanthus finial and spout. Gilt vermeil interior. The large body is of thick quality crystal with wheel cut fluting and finished with a 24-point starburst. Solid applied glass handle. In very good condition for age. A tiny dimple on the lid near the hinge, hardly noticeable. No chips or cracks, a tiny flea-bite or two possible to the fluting. An area of cloudiness on the very bottom. Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark, which guaranteed the finest quality French sterling silver of .950/1000 purity in use from 1838 (95% pure silver and higher grade than the standard .925 for sterling). Maker's marks for Henri Lapeyre, active from 1895-1923 of 49 rue Meslay, Paris. Stands 10 3/4" tall