Baccarat - Drinking set for 6 (32) - Service U. - Crystal

Baccarat: The Triumph of the Belle Époque – "Service U" in Crystal Fort
A masterpiece of French glassmaking prowess (Fine 19th - Early 20th Century)

This extraordinary collection represents the apex of late 19th-century French production, an era when crystal was not just a utilitarian object, but a symbol of aristocratic status and refinement. The service, identified in historical catalogs as the "Service U," is a perfect example of the technical virtuosity of Baccarat’s craftsmanship, made in the celebrated Crystal Fort, a material designed to permit deep, complex cuts without compromising the material’s brilliance.

Technical Specifications of the Model
Model Name: Service U. Shape: Gondolas (characterized by a lobed base reminiscent of a flower or a shell).
Work (Taille): Service Taillé. The decoration is a geometric symphony of large ogives (ovals) hand-ground to frame a dense honeycomb-like lattice of diamond points and radiating stars.
Stem (Jambe Taillée): The stem of the goblets is faceted like a prism, designed to catch and reflect light towards the cup, creating an optical effect of extraordinary luminosity.
Flower Base: The Gondola foot is one of the rarest and most sought-after elements: the base is not circular but lobed, a technical detail requiring absolute precision in the grinding phase.
Exclusivity of the Monogram
Each piece of this service is adorned with a hand-engraved monogram (interlaced initials "C" and "G/M"), enclosed in a smooth medallion. This detail confirms that the service was not standard production, but a luxury commission destined for a noble family or a high-status residence, elevating the set from an antique object to a true historical document.

Rarity and Museum Provenance
Pieces of this type and with this particular "flower base" are now housed at the Musée Baccarat in Paris. Being pieces produced between 1880 and 1910, they predate the brand’s acid-mark introduction (1936); their authenticity is guaranteed by the unmistakable grinding style and the perfect correspondence with the technical drawings in the original catalog of that era.

Composition of the Service
The set presents a magnificent variety of shapes, each designed for a specific use:

Broc (Pitcher): With a tall, sinuous handle in a whip-like silhouette.
Carafe: Slender line with a coordinated stopper and star-cut facets.
Verres à Champagne (Coupe): The classic wide 19th-century cup, perfect for highlighting the monogram engraving.
Verres à Eau et à Vin: Sloping glasses for water, Bordeaux, and fine liqueurs.
State of Preservation
The service is in exceptional condition, preserving its silvery clarity and the sharpness of the original cuts. It stands as a living testimony to French elegance, a showpiece that retains all the charm of its golden era.

Such a complete service, documented by catalog and personalized with a monogram, represents an absolute rarity on the international antique market.

:
6 Water Glasses: H 16.4 cm | Ø 8 cm
6 Champagne Cups: H 11.4 cm | Ø 10 cm | Base 10 cm
6 Wine Glasses: H 12.6 cm | Ø 5.1 cm | Base 6.3 cm
6 Port Glasses: H 11 cm | Ø 5.2 cm | Base 6.1 cm
6 Amaro Glasses: H 8.3 cm | Ø 3.9 cm | Base 4.5 cm
1 Bottle with Stopper: H 32.5 cm (27.5 cm without stopper)
1 Carafe: H 28.5 cm | Base 9.2 cm
Note to the Buyer: The service is extremely rare. It is currently located in the Veneto region, Italy.