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.
French 19th Century Baccarat Crystal and Ormolu Empire Style Mantel Clock
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite and finely crafted Large 19th century Baccarat crystal and ormolu French Empire style Neoclassical mantel clock. This elegant timepiece features a striking architectural...
Crystal, Bronze
$30,000
H 31.75 in W 21.25 in D 11 in
Early 19th Century Empire Ormolu-Mounted Bronze and Marble Mantel Clock
By Pierre-Victor Ledure
Located in New York, NY
A fine quality empire ormolu-mounted patinated bronze and rouge royale marble mantel clock. The patinated bronze figures depicting cupid and psyche. Attributed to Pierre-Victor Ledure...
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
French Empire Ormolu Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
Antique (early 19th century) French ormolu bronze mantel clock in the Empire style depicting neoclassical maiden with child.
Bronze
$4,278
H 20.87 in W 8.27 in D 5.91 in
19th Century French Empire Style Bronze Mantel Clock, circa 1870
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th century French Empire style gilt bronze mantle clock. The foliate and fruit engraved gilt-brass dial with enamel painted roman numerals. Inside with eight day movement w...
Brass, Bronze, Enamel
19th century French ormolu and marble figural mantel clock
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century ormolu and marble figural mantel clock circa 1870. Parisian made mantel clock with 'foy a paris' marked on the white enamel clock face...
Marble, Ormolu
Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire
Located in Warsaw, PL
This nineteenth-century gilded bronze clock exemplifies the grandeur of the Empire style, featuring a rectangular base with four legs, each intricately carved with subtle patterns. A...
Bronze
$14,119Sale Price|20% Off
H 24.02 in W 19.89 in D 7.09 in
Drouot French Empire Bronze Mantel Clock, 19th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
This French Empire mantel clock features a seated female figure, finely sculpted, draped in flowing fabric, and positioned next to an elegant water fountain motif. The round enamel d...
Marble, Bronze, Enamel
$18,300
H 15 in W 12 in D 4.5 in
Empire 19th Century Ormolu and Painted Bronze Mantel Clock with Young Sailor
Located in Palm Desert, CA
An Empire ormolu and painted bronze mantel clock attributed to Jean-Simon Deverberie. Fitted in an ormolu case shaped as a cotton bale, the round enamel dial features Roman numeral hours and Arabic fifteen-minute graduations, indicated by two pierced gilt bronze hands. Shirtless and barefoot, a young black sailor...
Ormolu, Bronze
Mantel Clock 19th Century Empire
Located in Warsaw, PL
Figural mantel clock signed “Al. dre Destape Palais Royal” The bronze figural mantel clock depicting one of the mythical heroes - Orpheus originates from the Empire period. The cloc...
Bronze
$4,050
H 24 in W 12.75 in D 8 in
Very Large French 19th Century Empire Period Ormolu Bronze Portico Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
French Empire Ormolu Bronze Portico Mantel Clock by Gaston Jolly, Paris, Circa 1810s, with original pendulum.
Bronze
$9,947
H 20.87 in W 6.3 in D 18.12 in
19th Century French Empire Style Ormolu Bronze Mantel Clock, c.1870
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century French Empire style ormolu bronze mantle clock. The foliate surround gilt dial, Inside with eight day movement with strike on bell. The top mounted with a figure...
Bronze, Ormolu
$2,450Sale Price|31% Off
H 10.25 in W 5.75 in D 3 in
19th Century French Mantel Desk Clock Ormolu Mounts, Boulle Style
Located in Miami, FL
A superb quality antique French mantel clock, circa 1875. This Boulle style clock is made with red tortoiseshell typical of the period, and brass inlays to the case front and sides f...
Brass, Bronze
$5,500 / set
H 25 in W 19 in D 8 in
19th Century French Empire Egyptian Style Mantel Clock and Obelisks Set
Located in New York, NY
Antique (19th century) French Empire Egyptian Revival period garniture including mantel clock and pair of obelisks, finely crafted in bronze, onyx and slate stone, with movement by B...
Marble, Slate, Bronze
1930 Art Deco Modernist Baccarat Crystal Clock Original Mechanical Movement
By Cristalleries De Baccarat, Baccarat
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Baccarat Art-Deco Modernist clock made in 1930s in molded clear crystal. Original mechanical movement. Perfectly working. The clock is made in two parts : the foot and the clock. ...
Crystal