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.
Fine Estate Baccarat Crystal Empire Style Jonzac Decanter
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Fine estate Baccarat decanter in the rare Jonzac pattern which pairs beautifully with Empire and Harcourt patterns- the stopper is identical to Harcourt an...
Crystal
Pair Asymmetrical MCM Baccarat Crystal Whiskey Decanters, 20th Century
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Unusual asymmetrical configuration Modernist style pair of Baccarat crystal decanters. Signed on the bases Excellent condition.
Crystal
Baccarat Harcourt 1841 36 Piece Set Champagne, Wine, Water, Liqueur Glasses
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Baccarat Harcourt 1841. The design has been chosen by some of the most notable figures in the world, Kings, Queens and Popes, for their t...
Crystal
Antique Baccarat Crystal Empire Armorial Crest 34 Piece Stemware Service for 8
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Historically significant Baccarat Empire Simson Armorial Crest stemware service for 8 - champagne, wine, water and liqueur glasses and two superb wine decanters, each piece bearing the Simson crest 19th Century The Armorial crest is almost certainly that of Sampson Simson (1780-1857), a Jewish American philanthropist most notably remembered as the Father of Mount Sinai Hospital. Simson was born in Danbury, CT and expressed an early interest in law, attending Columbia University where he studied under Aaron Burr. He was admitted to the bar in 1802 and became one of the first Jewish lawyers in New York City. He retired several years later to devote himself to charitable work. In 1852, nine men, including Sampson Simpson, joined together to establish the Jew's Hospital in New York which later became Mount Sinai Hospital. Simson served as the first president of the hospital's Board of Directors, personally covering many of the expenses and donating the land upon which the hospital was originally built on West 28th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. Baccarat introduced their iconic Harcourt pattern in 1841 and this service is from approximately the same time period, circa 1850. The Baccarat Empire pattern elevates the Harcourt design model with fine gilded decoration identical at the foot and rim to the Simson service. Armorial crests were executed by special commission which included the 1828 Louis de Bourbon Ewer, the Duke of Aosta service, Service de L'Elysee, Countess of Paris Service and those of other prominent individuals. The service includes: Wine decanter with handle: 10.5 inches high, 5.5 inches diameter Wine Decanter: 10.38 inches high, 5 inches diameter 8 champagne coupes: 5 inches high, 4 inches diameter 8 wine glasses: 5 inches high, 2.63 inches diameter 8 water glasses: 6.63 inches high, 3.57 inches diameter 8 liqueur glasses: 4.13 inches high, 2.13 inches diameter Condition: Very Good. very light age appropriate surface wear Baccarat registered its trademark in 1860 at which time a paper label began to be attached to pieces, very few of these labels have survived. Prior to this period, Baccarat pieces were unsigned, with the exception of some early paperweights bearing the letter B. Early Baccarat is identified by quality, pattern and references. References: Christie's, Auction 2814, January 23, 2014 for a silver brandy warmer by Myer Myers with an identical crest, the lot essay identifying the crest as that of Sampson Simson _ we are grateful to Jill Waddell, Christie's VP, Senior Specialist, Silver Department for her assistance with identifying the Simson crest. A Baccarat wine decanter...
Crystal
Baccarat Malmaison Set of 12 Hand-Crafted Crystal Wine Glasses, 1910
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Fine estate Baccarat Malmaison set of twelve wine glasses 20th Century Named after the famed Chateau de Malmaison, Empress Josephine's favorite residence, this is one of Baccarat's ...
Crystal
Fine Rare Pair of Estate Baccarat Lamartine Eau de Vie Crystal Glasses
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Very rare pair of luxurious Baccarat Lamartine Eau de Vie crystal glasses 20th Century The Lamartine pattern is one of the rarest of Baccarat patterns, produced for just five years, ...
Crystal
Rare Baccarat Crystal France Massena Liquor & Whiskey Decanter with Stopper
By Baccarat
Located in Plainview, NY
Rare Baccarat Crystal France Massena Liquor & Whiskey Decanter with Stopper This rare and elegant Massena liquor decanter by Baccarat, France showcases the house’s exceptional cryst...
Crystal
Victorian Baccarat-Style Blown Glass Decanter, Late 19th Century
By Baccarat
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian Baccarat-style blown glass bulbous shaped swirl design decanter with ball stopper.
Glass, Blown Glass
19THC Baccarat Style Heavy Hand Cut Amber Crystal French Etched Glass Decanter
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Estate 19th Century Baccarat Style Cut Glass Amber Colored Glass Decanter with Stenciled Detail of Vines and Grape Clusters. TAKEN OUT OF...
Glass
French Baccarat-Style Blown Glass Decanter with Swirl Design
By Baccarat
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian Baccarat-style blown glass bulbous shaped swirl design decanter with ball stopper.
Blown Glass
Baccarat Style Crystal Rond Perfection Decanter France 20th Century
By Baccarat
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
French Baccarat Style crystal Perfection square whiskey decanter. It has been made in France during the 20th century. Transparent color.
Crystal
19THC Important Baccarat Style Hand Cut Amber Crystal French Glass Decanter
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Estate 19th Century Baccarat Style Cut Glass Amber Colored Glass Decanter with Etched Floral and Stenciled Detail. Original Retail $4500....
Glass
