A Large Pair of Louis XV-Style Gilt Bronze and Cut-Crystal Girandoles Attributed to Baccarat, c. 1860

An elegant and decorative pair of large Louis XV-style girandoles in gilt bronze, retaining their original gilding and featuring seven candle arms. These substantial girandoles rest on a significant gilt bronze base. They are beautifully adorned with cut-crystal elements, including numerous large plaques in clear and smoked crystal, with the upper section crowned by a cut-crystal dagger finial.

A fine example of French craftsmanship in the Louis XV style, attributed to the Baccarat Crystal Works, manufactured circa 1860.

Dimensions: 

Height: 32¼ in (82 cm)

Width: 21¼ in (54 cm)

Depth: 15¾ in (40 cm)

Condition:

In very fine condition. Electrification to European standards and electrification to American standards on request.

Baccarat:

In 1764, French King Louis XV granted Louis-Joseph de Montmorency-Laval, Bishop of Metz, permission to establish a glassworks in the Lorraine village of Baccarat.

In 1824, Ismaël Robinet, a Baccarat glassmaker, invented an air-piston pump that facilitated glassblowing. The following year, Baccarat developed the press-molded technique.

In 1855, Baccarat took part in the first Paris Universal Exhibition, exhibiting two monumental candelabras and a chandelier.

In 1860, on October 29, Baccarat registered its trademark with the Paris Commercial Court: a carafe, a stemmed glass and a beaker inscribed in a circle. Initially printed on a paper label, the stamp was later engraved directly onto the piece.

Baccarat crystal is of the highest quality, containing no less than 31.7% lead, with no defaults and the highest standards. Cristallerie de Baccarat has been passed down through the generations and remains a symbol of French art de vivre.