Acquired recently from a high end San Francisco estate; offered for sale here are a set of (8) late 19th century French “Saint -Louis” crystal port or sherry glasses in the classic “Caton” pattern which gained popularity during the French “Belle Epoque” era, circa 1877 to 1894. They feature a bucket-shaped bowl, with vertical panel cuts on the lower half, and a traditional angular knop stem. Each glass was individually made by hand, and mouth blown using a blow pipe. The amount of molten glass gathered, the force of the breath, and the speed of shaping, lead to natural, small variations in height and diameter. Those characteristics are a hallmark of the authenticity and charm of these glasses. The crystal was hand cut, utilizing only the finest heavy lead content material. Because they are made independently, they vary in size, ever so slightly; with the largest of this particular set measuring 4 3/8″ high by 2 5/8″ diameter; and the smallest being 4 3/8″ high x 2 7/16″ diameter; consistency was secondary to craftsmanship These individual variable dimensions, as a result of hand blown workmanship, attest to their hand made genesis and late 19th century origin. That, along with their heavier than expected feel, and the long resonating ringing sound upon “toasting” (see accompanying video upon request), in addition to their glistening clarity, affirms the high quality of these lovely 140 year old glasses made by “Saint Louis Crystal” company; a French establishment in Moselle, which commenced business in 1586 and is now one of the oldest glass manufacturers in the world. They were purchased by Hermes in 1994. They have had a long standing tradition of providing fine quality crystal for Kings, Queens, world leaders, and the aristocracy for over 440 years. As the saying goes as regards Saint Louis Crystal; “:Born of a ball of fire and the breath of man, Saint-Louis Crystal vibrates with inherited talent and extraordinary creative fantasy.”
Note: For the benefit of scale, I have provided in the last of the images, with the glasses, a ruler and a quarter.
Also to note; I have another set of (8) glasses listed matching the exact same description as these with the exception that they are incrementally smaller (say 5/16″ shorter in height and 5/16″ narrower in diameter, which, when mixed all together in a table setting, is quite acceptable; especially for someone seeking 16 vintage quality port glasses.
Note: I am a second generation antiques dealer and have been in business, buying, selling, and collecting, for 50 years; I am also a member of several prestigious antique associations. Thus, I am well qualified to inspect and evaluate the products I offer for sale and I guarantee this to be authentic and as I have described.
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