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 artistry (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

This extraordinary collection represents the pinnacle of late 19th-century French production, an era when crystal was not merely a utilitarian object, but a symbol of status and aristocratic 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 famed Crystal Fort, a material designed to allow deep, complex cuts without compromising the material’s brilliance.

Technical Specifications of the Model
Model Name: Service U.
Shape: Gondolas (characterized by the lobed base that recalls the shape of a flower or shell).
Cutting (Taillé): Service Taillé. The decoration is a geometric symphony of large ogives (ovals) hand-polished that frame a dense diamond-point grid and radiating stars.
Stem (Jambe Taillée): The stems of the goblets are prism-cut, designed to catch light and reflect it toward the bowl, creating an optical effect of extraordinary brightness.
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 during grinding.
Exclusivity of the Monogram
Each piece of this service is enhanced by a hand-engraved monogram (interlaced initials "C" and "G/M"), enclosed in a smooth medallion. This detail confirms that the service was not a standard production, but a luxury commission intended for a noble family or a high-status residence, elevating the set from a mere antique object to a true historical document.

Rarity and Museum Provenance
Pieces of this type with this particular "flower base" are today housed at the Musée Baccarat in Paris. As these pieces were produced between 1880 and 1910, they predate the introduction of the acid-etched mark (which occurred in 1936); their authenticity is guaranteed by the unmistakable polishing style and the exact match with the technical drawings in the original catalog of the 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, whip-like profile.
Carafe: Slender line with a coordinated stopper and star-cut facet.
Verres à Champagne (Coupe): The classic wide goblet of the 19th century, perfect for highlighting the monogram engraving.
Verres à Eau et à Vin: Tapered glasses for water, Bordeaux, and fine liqueurs.
Condition
The service is in exceptional condition, preserving intact the silvered transparency and the sharpness of the original cuts. It stands as a living testimony of French elegance, a display-worthy work of art that retains all the charm of its golden age.

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

:
6 Water Goblets: H 16.4 cm | Ø 8 cm
6 Champagne Cups: H 11.4 cm | Ø 10 cm | Base 10 cm
6 Wine Goblets: H 12.6 cm | Ø 5.1 cm | Base 6.3 cm
6 Port Goblets: H 11 cm | Ø 5.2 cm | Base 6.1 cm
6 Amaro Goblets: 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
Buyer Note: The service is extremely rare. It is currently located in the Veneto region, Italy