One of the world’s foremost crystal manufacturers, Baccarat has long been emblematic of luxury and exquisite craftsmanship. Starting in the early 19th century, objects produced by the French company — from stemware to chandeliers to brightly colored paperweights — became a staple of noble and wealthy households across Europe and as far afield as India. Along with the purity and quality of their glass, Baccarat crystal makers can boast a remarkable fluency with a range of design styles — from cut-glass neoclassical pieces to sinuously etched Art Nouveau designs.
Baccarat began as a kind of industrial development project. In 1764, the Bishop of Metz and other landowners in heavily forested northeastern France persuaded Louis XV to sanction a glassworks in the area — timber being a key resource required for the furnaces used in glass production.
In its early years the company produced humble products such as window panes and simple drinking glasses. In 1816 a new owner began making crystal, and seven years later Louis XVIII — who had taken the throne after the defeat of Napoleon — gave Baccarat its first royal commission, for tableware. In the ensuing years, an estimated one-third of the company’s workforce was dedicated to commissions to the Russian imperial court alone.
Spurred by the intense competition between global industries in the latter 19th century — fought in public view in the many world expositions of the era — Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat, as it had finally become known, elevated its level of artistry by adopting new technologies and creating a rigorous training program. The firm broadened its stylistic range, embracing Asian influences and new engraving methods, and increasing production of its now iconic millefiori paperweights.
The designer Georges Chevalier, who worked for Baccarat for more than five decades beginning in 1916, ushered the company into the realm of modernist design. In recent years, Baccarat has employed such renowned contemporary designers as Philippe Starck and Marcel Wanders, ensuring that Baccarat crystal will continue to enjoy pride of place on up-to-date tables. But as you will see from the offerings on these pages, Baccarat has items to suit any taste.
Find antique Baccarat decanters, vases, candle holders, chandeliers and other furnishings and objects for sale on 1stDibs.
$4,950 / set
H 10.5 in W 13 in D 10.5 in
TANTALUS 1860 French Napoleon IIII Liquor Cabined In Precious Woods And Glass
Located in Miami, FL
A French Napoleon III liquor tantalus box. This is a fantastic liquor tantalus cased-box for liquors created in Paris France during the Napoleon III period, back in middle of 1860. ...
Crystal, Gold, Brass
$2,150
H 10 in W 13 in D 10 in
19th Century French Napoleon III Tantalus with Crystal Decanters and Cordials
Located in Dallas, TX
Create an elegant bar area with this exquisite antique cave à liqueur (Tantalus). Crafted in France circa 1870, this refined portable bar is built of ebonized mahogany with brass inl...
Bronze
$5,700
H 10 in W 13 in D 9 in
Antique Napoleon III French Liquor Cellar/ Liqueur Box/ Glass Decanters / 1830
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Exquisite Napoleon III cave à liqueur, crafted in France during the second quarter of the 19th century. The ebonized case is richly inlaid with brass and mother-of-pearl, showcasing ...
Metal, Brass
$5,800
H 10 in W 13 in D 9 in
Antique Napoleon III French Liquor Cellar/ Liqueur Box/ Glass Decanters / 1830
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Exquisite Napoleon III cave à liqueur, crafted in France during the second quarter of the 19th century. The ebonized case is richly inlaid with brass and mother-of-pearl, showcasing ...
Metal, Brass
$2,232
H 10.24 in W 13 in D 9.85 in
Decanter, precious woods, ormolu, engraved Baccarat crystal, Napoleon III, Franc
By Baccarat
Located in Valladolid, ES
Outstanding French decanter or "boîte à liqueur," crafted from rosewood, ebony, and ormolu, dating from the Napoleon III era (circa 1880). This is a small piece of furniture of excep...
Crystal, Ormolu
$2,250 / set
H 9 in W 10 in D 7 in
19th C. Parquetry and Mahogany Cave À Liqueur, 6 Decorated Decanters, 2 Glasses
Located in Morristown, NJ
Mid 19th c., Austrian, cave à liqueur. A mahogany veneer case with mixed wood rope border inlay, opening to a fitted case with a red fabric lined interior. The case holds six gilt de...
Brass
19th Century French Baccarat Crystal Cave à Liqueur Tantalus Set
By Baccarat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A superb 19th century French Baccarat cave à liqueur (tantalus set), exemplifying the elegance and craftsmanship of fine crystal service pieces from the ...
Glass
$6,213
H 11 in W 14 in D 10.5 in
19th Century French Napoleon III Period Drinks Box with Decanters and Glasses
Located in London, GB
A Napoleon III Inlaid Cave à Liqueur A decorative and convivial object of the 19th century, the casket finely veneered with walnut, bois noirci, the bevelled glass sides and top wit...
Brass
$7,500
H 10.5 in W 14.25 in D 11.25 in
Antique French Baccarat Crystal Cave À Liqueur in Satinwood Case circa 1885-1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Superb antique French baccarat crystal and gold bronze Cave À Liqueur in fitted satinwood case, circa 1885-1890.
Crystal, Bronze
$2,750
H 10 in W 13.5 in D 10 in
Antique French Brass Inlay Tantalus Box Cordial Decanter Set Liquor Cabinet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Brass Inlay Tantalus Box Cordial Decanter Set Liquor Cabinet. Item features beautiful inlay to top of the box. Set includes 4 decanters...
Wood
French Napoleon III Period Ebonized Crystal Cave a Liqueur Service Set
Located in Forney, TX
A charming period Napoleon III Second Empire (1852-1870) brass accented ebonized wood and crystal French cave à liqueur. France, mid-19th century, an object of practical use as well as beauty, add a touch of sophisticated elegance and refinement to your next dinner party with this scarce antique cave à liqueur (petite liquour caddy), featuring an ebonized wooden box-form case inlaid with brass string banding, the locking case opens by turning the original key to release the latch lock mechanism then gently lifting the hinged top and front panel, revealing a richly figured mahogany fitted interior, housing a lovely assembled etched crystal liqueur service, including a pair of hand blown crystal decanters decorated in elegant flowing fiolate vine etchings with matching stoppers, accompanied by eight stemmed cordial drinking glasses with geometric etching patern; the folding panels can stay in the up/open position when in use or for display, or press the hinge mechanism to close the panels, then you can lock it and remove the key to secure the contents, the case is finished on all sides so it can be placed anywhere in the room, all raised on short turned feet. circa 1860 Dimensions: (approx) Closed: 10" High, 8.25" Wide, 7 7/8" Deep; Open: 15.25" High, 8.25" Wide, 10" Deep; 5.5lbs Total **Additional photos available upon request** CONDITION REPORT: Good antique condition with nicely aged warm worn patina and desirable unrestored original finish. Wear consistent with 160 years of age, use, handling and exposure, including retaining antique character marks and charm throughout, worn distressed original ebony finish, with scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches, rough spots and very minor chippy paint losses. The imperfections not noticeable in most lighting or at most angles, however we went way out of our way to make sure to capture the flaws in the photos to try and be as transparent and upfront as possible. Please be sure to inspect all the photos. Overall a wonderful assembled set, sturdy, stable, structurally sound, all crystal intact with typical wear but no cracks or damage. Overall a wonderful example, with nothing that detracts from the aesthetics or functionality but only adds to the sophisticated elegance, warmth, antique character, classic refinement, and rich historical depth that can only be acquired over very long periods of time! Keywords: cave a liqueur serving set tantalus bar...
Crystal, Brass
Antique Victorian Black Forest Carved Wood & Glass Cave a Liqueur Tantalus Box
Located in Forney, TX
A rare antique Victorian Black Forest carved wood and glass cave a liqueur / tantalus cabinet set. circa 1880 Exquisitely hand-crafted in the late 19th century, Continental European...
Crystal, Bronze
Antique English Tantalus / Games Set
Located in Forney, TX
An elegant antique English Late Victorian / Edwardian Tantalus and Games set. Hand-crafted in England around the turn of the late 19th / early 20th century, ...
Crystal, Metal
Moser Bohemian Cranberry Red Cut to Clear Crystal Gold Gilt Cordial Glass Set 8
By Moser, Moser Glassworks
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning set of luxurious Bohemian cranberry cut to clear gold gilded stemmed cordial glasses by renowned fine quality luxury glassmaker Moser. Exudeing refined elegance, sophist...
Crystal, Enamel, Gold Leaf
18th/19th Century English Georgian III Period Matthew Boulton Inkstand
By Matthew Boulton
Located in Forney, TX
A fine quality Georgian III period silver plated inkstand by celebrated English silversmith Matthew Boulton, displaying all of the timeless eleganc...
Silver Plate
19th Century Bohemian Persian Market Qajar Enameled Gilt Cobalt Glass Decanters
By Moser Glassworks
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce pair of fine quality antique Bohemian parcel gilt enameled light cobalt blue glass decanter bottles, exquisitely decorated for the ...
Enamel
