Antique French White Opaline Glass Triple Caddy in Ormolu Mount
Antique French White Opaline Glass Triple Caddy in Ormolu Mount
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A wonderfully unusual antique French caddy composed of three cylindrical white opaline glass vessels held within an elaborate gilt-bronze or gilt-brass mount.
Each opaque milk-white opaline cup is individually encircled at the upper and lower edges by gilt metal. The lower framework is particularly charming, ornamented with beaded borders, scrolling tendrils, stylized leaves, and a prominent five-petal flower. A tall twisted-rope handle rises from the center and terminates in a sculptural spherical element surrounded by intertwined foliage, allowing the entire piece to be carried as a single unit.
The restrained white opaline against the warm aged gilding is quintessentially French and gives the piece an especially elegant Napoleon III / late-19th-century toilette or tableware appearance.
The exact original use is difficult to establish from the form alone. It appears to have functioned as a three-part portable caddy or holder, possibly intended for a dressing table, desk, or dining service. Because the three opaline vessels are identical and permanently arranged around a central carrying handle, I would avoid assigning an overly specific use unless documentation or a close period comparison is found.
Today it would be beautiful used for flowers, makeup brushes, pens, or small vanity accessories.
Era
Late 19th century, circa 1870–1890
The white opaline glass, gilt-metal mounts, beaded ornament, scrolling botanical decoration, and twisted carrying handle are particularly characteristic of French decorative wares of the later 19th century.
History
French opaline glass became highly fashionable during the 19th century and was frequently combined with finely cast or chased gilt-bronze mounts. While earlier Restoration and Louis-Philippe opaline often appears in vivid turquoise, pink, and green, opaque white opaline remained popular throughout the century, particularly when paired with elaborate gilt mounts.
Portable multi-vessel holders were produced for a variety of domestic purposes, including the toilette, writing desk, and dining table. Their decorative mounts often elevated otherwise practical objects into luxurious furnishings.
This example is especially appealing for the survival of all three matching opaline vessels and its highly decorative floral carrying frame.
Provenance
France; sourced in France
Materials
White opaline glass
Gilt bronze and/or gilt brass mount
Cast and chased floral decoration
Dimensions
Dimensions to be added
I would record:
Overall height including handle
Overall width
Diameter and height of each opaline vessel
Condition
Good antique condition with wear commensurate with age.
The three white opaline vessels appear intact in the photographs, with minor surface wear and small manufacturing irregularities consistent with antique glass.
The gilt-metal mount retains attractive aged surface variation with rubbing, oxidation, darkening, and losses to the original gilded finish, particularly along frequently handled areas and rims. Minor distortion or movement to the metal framework may be present from age and use.
Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.
Disclaimers
The precise original function of this three-vessel caddy has not been definitively established. It is catalogued according to its physical form rather than assigning a speculative specialized use.
The metal is described as gilt bronze and/or gilt brass based on visual examination; no metal assay has been performed.
As with all antique objects, signs of age, previous use, minor repairs, surface variation, and manufacturing irregularities should be expected.
A wonderfully unusual antique French caddy composed of three cylindrical white opaline glass vessels held within an elaborate gilt-bronze or gilt-brass mount.
Each opaque milk-white opaline cup is individually encircled at the upper and lower edges by gilt metal. The lower framework is particularly charming, ornamented with beaded borders, scrolling tendrils, stylized leaves, and a prominent five-petal flower. A tall twisted-rope handle rises from the center and terminates in a sculptural spherical element surrounded by intertwined foliage, allowing the entire piece to be carried as a single unit.
The restrained white opaline against the warm aged gilding is quintessentially French and gives the piece an especially elegant Napoleon III / late-19th-century toilette or tableware appearance.
The exact original use is difficult to establish from the form alone. It appears to have functioned as a three-part portable caddy or holder, possibly intended for a dressing table, desk, or dining service. Because the three opaline vessels are identical and permanently arranged around a central carrying handle, I would avoid assigning an overly specific use unless documentation or a close period comparison is found.
Today it would be beautiful used for flowers, makeup brushes, pens, or small vanity accessories.
Era
Late 19th century, circa 1870–1890
The white opaline glass, gilt-metal mounts, beaded ornament, scrolling botanical decoration, and twisted carrying handle are particularly characteristic of French decorative wares of the later 19th century.
History
French opaline glass became highly fashionable during the 19th century and was frequently combined with finely cast or chased gilt-bronze mounts. While earlier Restoration and Louis-Philippe opaline often appears in vivid turquoise, pink, and green, opaque white opaline remained popular throughout the century, particularly when paired with elaborate gilt mounts.
Portable multi-vessel holders were produced for a variety of domestic purposes, including the toilette, writing desk, and dining table. Their decorative mounts often elevated otherwise practical objects into luxurious furnishings.
This example is especially appealing for the survival of all three matching opaline vessels and its highly decorative floral carrying frame.
Provenance
France; sourced in France
Materials
White opaline glass
Gilt bronze and/or gilt brass mount
Cast and chased floral decoration
Dimensions
Dimensions to be added
I would record:
Overall height including handle
Overall width
Diameter and height of each opaline vessel
Condition
Good antique condition with wear commensurate with age.
The three white opaline vessels appear intact in the photographs, with minor surface wear and small manufacturing irregularities consistent with antique glass.
The gilt-metal mount retains attractive aged surface variation with rubbing, oxidation, darkening, and losses to the original gilded finish, particularly along frequently handled areas and rims. Minor distortion or movement to the metal framework may be present from age and use.
Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.
Disclaimers
The precise original function of this three-vessel caddy has not been definitively established. It is catalogued according to its physical form rather than assigning a speculative specialized use.
The metal is described as gilt bronze and/or gilt brass based on visual examination; no metal assay has been performed.
As with all antique objects, signs of age, previous use, minor repairs, surface variation, and manufacturing irregularities should be expected.