Large Antique French Cut Crystal Gilt Bronze Centerpiece Bowl

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Impressive antique Napoleon III era French cut crystal and ormolu mounted centerpiece. Of quality crystal, in rectangular form with clipped … Read more Impressive antique Napoleon III era French cut crystal and ormolu mounted centerpiece. Of quality crystal, in rectangular form with clipped corners. Decorated with an elegant motif of wheel cut horizontal bands or 'filets'. Finished with a stunning wheel cut 32-point starburst at the base. Encased in gilt bronze mounts, finely casted and sumptuously decorated in opulent neoclassical motifs. The crystal centerpiece is surmounted by a thick gilt bronze edge. Exquisitely patterned with Louis XVI style ribbon and reed motif topped by a foliage border. Flanked by large loop ring handles topped by embellishments of palmettes and arabesques. Accented further by finely detailed appliques of criss-crossed ribbon with sprigs of laurel. Raised on four gilt bronze feet richly decorated in bas-relief with stylized foliate, acanthus and palmettes. Embellished further with finely casted garland festoons. Unsigned but most likely Baccarat. The renown cristallerie used paper labels from 1860 on, which were often worn or washed away, and did not use their acid etched signature until 1936. The wheel cut starburst on the bottom is a typical characteristic of the firm and the horizontal fluting is similar to that of patterns such as 'Ecailles & Filets' and 'Chicago'. In overall good antique condition. No chips or cracks to the crystal centerpiece, some minor scratches commensurate with use. Overall a stunning quality piece. Measures 13" across x 7 3/4" wide x 5 7/8" height. See less