Antique French Sterling Silver & Glass Cheese Bell Dome

Description

Belle Epoque era French sterling silver and cut glass cheese bell dome. Comprising of a dome and under plate beautifully … more Belle Epoque era French sterling silver and cut glass cheese bell dome. Comprising of a dome and under plate beautifully crafted of thick blown clear glass decorated with fine engraved intaglios. The engravings include a band of stylized foliage, dots and lines, with the center of the tray decorated with a star motif. Embellished with sterling silver mounts enhanced in gold vermeil finish and patterned with raised scrolling and florals. In overall good antique condition with general wear commensurate with age and use. No chips or cracks to the glass. There is some wear to the gold vermeil finish. Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark, which guaranteed the finest quality French sterling silver of .950/1000 purity in use from 1838 (95% pure silver and higher grade than the standard .925 for sterling). Bearing maker's marks that are slightly rubbed, appears to be that of silversmith Joseph Crossard, active from 1900-1920, whose firm was located at 36 rue de Montmorency in Paris. The entire piece stands 5 3/4" total height. The under-plate measures 8 5/8" diameter. less