Exquisite pair of antique Belle Epoque era French sterling silver and cut crystal claret jugs, ewer carafes, wine decanters. Of thick cut crystal engraved with floral intaglios terminating to gorgeous wheel cut spiral fluting. Richly decorated with sterling silver .950/1000 mounts patterned in Louis XV/Rococo decor. Ornate reticulated collars encase the neck, decorated with intricate openwork, lush foliage and flowers, scalloped seashells and oval cartouches accented with rocailles and lattice. Topped by duck-bill shaped hinged lids with ornate finials and exquisite scroll form handles. Resting on heavy sterling bases, encircled in reticulated openwork with scrolling foliage and flowers, further decorated with ornate scalloped forms and C-scrolls. Fully hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark, in use from 1838, which guaranteed the finest quality silver of .950/1000 purity (95% silver and a higher grade than the standard .925 for sterling). Bearing maker's marks for silversmiths Charles Hack & Achille Hourdequin, active 1884 to 1902 at 42 rue de Turbigo, Paris. Stands 8 5/8" height x 3 1/2" wide. In overall good antique condition with general wear commensurate with age and use. No chips or cracks to the cut glass. There is one or two very small flea-bites to the wheel cut but hardly noticeable. Some cloudiness in the glass to one decanter. No damage or repairs to the silver mounts.