A fabulous antique Belle Epoque era French sterling silver & gilt vermeil sugar caster, shaker. Richly decorated in Louis XVI styling. The caster features a cut crystal body enhanced with charming engraved intaglios. The motifs include a charming flower filled basket; a flaming torch and quiver of arrows; and gardening tools, all depicted suspended from ribbon tassels surrounded by scrolling foliage. Further decorated with deep wheel cut fluting. Exquisite repousse to the silver mounts, patterned with floral garland swags and ribbon bows. Resting on a circular pedestal base decorated with acanthus leaves. In good antique condition with general wear to the gilt vermeil. Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark, in use from 1838, which guaranteed the finest quality silver of .950/1000 purity (95% pure silver and a higher grade than the standard .925 for sterling). Bearing maker's marks for silversmiths Prosper Ytasse & Edouard Fourneret (Ytasse & Fourneret) active 1897 to 1904 at 17 rue Réaumur, Paris. Stands 6 3/4" height.