Dinnerware Diary

Estate Sterling Goblets

I've often told you that we are constantly scouring the United States and the globe in search of high-quality, unique, and fun tableware and collectibles.  Replacements has made more great finds, and this month we are excited to feature a unique selection of estate silver goblets in a variety of patterns.  Each of these pieces have been carefully selected and represent the very best in sterling craft and artistry.  Great examples include six sterling silver goblets offered in the “Lord Saybrook” pattern by International Silver.  These goblets are stylish and elegant, with understated bowls accented with elegant curves.  The classic design of these pieces allow them to complement china, crystal, or flatware collection.  The “Lord Saybrook” goblets weigh 5.7 troy ounces each, stands 6 1/2" tall, and are stamped with the manufacturer reference number 11950.  If you are looking for something more ornate, consider goblets in Kirk Stieff’s “Repousse-Full Chased.”  This intricately designed pattern features a bowl and stem that is accented with a detailed floral study.  Chasing is an amazing technique used to decorate silver through ornamentation, in high or low relief that is achieved by “punches”, which push the surface of the decorated metal into patterns. “Repousse” is one of Kirk Stieff’s most famous and popular patterns. (In fact, it is one of our featured patterns this month, and you can read more about it three paragraphs below.)  The “Repousse-Full Chased” goblet weighs 5.98 troy ounces, stands 6 3/4” tall, and is stamped with the manufacturer reference number 402F.  We have three of these amazing pieces; we expect that they will sell quickly.  Another great goblet being offered in this feature is in the regal “Francis I” pattern by Reed and Barton.  The artists at Reed and Barton started with an unembellished goblet with stately curves and a delicate flair at the rim, then added a gorgeous chased design that features scrolls, leaves, and fruit.  The “Francis I” goblet weighs 8.7 troy ounces, stands 6 1/2” tall and is stamped with the manufacturer reference number X558.  We have 11 of these superb goblets, as of this writing.  You can view images, inventory, and purchase any of these goblets and more by starting here or by calling us toll-free at 1-800-REPLACE (1-800-737-5223) seven days a week, 8:00am to 10:00pm ET.  These pieces are wonderful, but rare, and available in limited quantities!  If you have questions, feel free to email me at garon.anders@replacements.com.

Great Museum Feature and One of My Favorite Crystal Companies!

Our featured museum pieces this month come from an extremely rare collection of crystal stemware produced by Baccarat.  The Czar pattern features elongated stems, intricate cuts, and jewel-tone colors, and was produced sometime around 1896.  There are significant and unusual design characteristics associated with the Czar pattern.  The water goblet stands 14” tall, the claret wine and sherbet champagne stems both stand 11” tall.  These are very unusual heights for these piece types, but it is obvious that the design of this pattern was influenced by the ostentation that the ill-fated Romanov Czars (the ultimate beau monde) were known for.  The selection of colors, jewel facets, and shapes could very well have been inspired by the crowning of the last Czar of Russia, Nicholas II, 1896.  The last known value for the goblet in this set was $1,200.00.  Each piece is extraordinary, and the painstaking artistry employed to produce them is very evident.  Baccarat began as a small town of 600 in France situated 250 miles east of Paris. In 1764, slightly prior to the French Revolution, Monseigneur de Montmorency-Laval, the Bishop of Metz, petitioned King Louis XV to allow him to open a glassworks factory on the banks of the River Meurthe. The reason for the Bishop’s interest in opening a glassworks factory was that he owned thousands of acres of old growth forests. In order to turn a profit from these forests,  the Bishop needed to find an industry that would consume lots of firewood.  King Louis XV granted the charter and in 1765 the Compaigne des Cristalleries de Baccarat was established.  Prior to the French Revolution (1789-1799), Baccarat employed an extraordinary concept in factory management.  Workers employed by Baccarat and their families were housed on the grounds of the Baccarat complex.  The company concerned itself with the welfare of its employees during a time when French aristocracy dismissed with indifference the poverty of the masses.  In 1838, a manager at Baccarat discovered a way to produce full-lead crystal that could be colored. The formula was one of the company’s most closely guarded trade secrets. However, the information was leaked to Bohemians living in the area who produced similar works to those of Baccarat. There was no competition between Baccarat and the Bohemians however, as the Bohemian interest was purely artistic and they philosophically were not interested in making a profit. The factory continued to grow in prestige throughout the remainder of the 19th century.  By the latter half of the 19th century, Baccarat’s product adorned the tables of the world’s most prestigious monarchs including the Czar and Czarina of Russia, the Emperor of Japan, the Sultan of Turkey, the King of Siam, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the last three kings of France, Aga Khan, the President of the Republic of Chile, the King of Portugal, the former King of Spain, the King of Greece, the King of Egypt, the Emperor of Ethiopia, Wilhelm II of Germany, and Pope Benedict XV.  Today, Baccarat is still one of the most sought after crystal manufacturers in the world.  We’d love to have you come to our facility to see these incredible museum pieces, as well a huge selection of Baccarat Crystal that is available for purchase!  Our Showroom and Museum are open from 9:00am to 7:00pm ET, 7 days a week; free tours are available from 9:30am to 6:00pm ET, 7 days a week. The Showroom and Museum are conveniently located between Greensboro and Burlington, NC, at exit 132 off Interstate 85/40.  We look forward to seeing you!