Vintage Baccarat decanters

Baccarat is a French luxury brand that is known for its high-quality crystal glassware and other decorative items. The company was founded in 1764 by King Louis XV of France, who granted a royal charter to create a glassworks in the town of Baccarat, located in the Lorraine region of eastern France. The company has a long history of producing fine crystal glassware and has gained a reputation for creating some of the most beautiful and elegant pieces in the world. From the 19th century Baccarat was a leading producer of high class cut glass tableware. The company has more... also produced a wide range of other products over the years, including jewellery, lamps, and other decorative items. Today, Baccarat is still a leading producer of luxury glassware and is known for its commitment to craftsmanship and quality. It currently trades as Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat. less...

The earliest decanters date from the late seventeenth century and were made from blown moulded glass.

They were used to serve wine at a time when there was a move towards less formal dining procedures and the reduced reliance on servants and waiters.

The 1745 Excise Tax caused manufacturers to make decanters lighter in weight. The tax benefited the industry in Ireland where it did not apply. When the tax was repealed in 1845, a heavier gauge was reverted to.

In the second half of the eighteenth century blue, green and amethyst coloured decanters were made.

Decanters often sat on more... silver bottle coasters with baize bases (some even on castors) and could be 'pushed' around the dining table without making scratches or requiring serving staff. less...