Large 19th-Century French Baccarat Crystal Ormolu Centerpiece, Stamped HALPHEN

An exceptional and unusually substantial French centerpiece dating to the 19th century, comprising a massive oval etched Baccarat crystal bowl set within finely cast and richly chased ormolu bronze mounts.

The heavy, thick-walled crystal bowl is decorated with finely etched foliate ornamentation. The thick crystal rim is fully enclosed within a fitted gilt-bronze mount, flanked by sculptural ram’s-head supports, ribbon-tied wreath-form handles, and raised on four hoof-form feet.

The bronze mounts bear three impressed 19th-century HALPHEN workshop marks, together with additional workshop and production markings. Halphen was associated with the production and mounting of high-quality French decorative bronzes during the 19th century.

The crystal is unsigned, as was common with many 19th-century Baccarat pieces, and is attributed to Baccarat based on its exceptional quality, substantial weight, clarity, and finely executed etched decoration.

A rare and impressive large-scale French centerpiece of exceptional decorative quality, retaining its original ormolu gilding.

Dimensions:

18 in. L × 9 3/4 in. W × 6 1/4 in. H

(45.7 × 24.8 × 15.9 cm)

Condition:

Very good antique condition with age-appropriate wear. The ormolu mounts retain their original gilding.