By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Historically significant Baccarat Empire Simson Armorial Crest stemware service for 8 - champagne, wine, water and liqueur glasses and two superb wine decanters, each piece bearing the Simson crest
19th Century
The Armorial crest is almost certainly that of Sampson Simson (1780-1857), a Jewish American philanthropist most notably remembered as the Father of Mount Sinai Hospital. Simson was born in Danbury, CT and expressed an early interest in law, attending Columbia University where he studied under Aaron Burr. He was admitted to the bar in 1802 and became one of the first Jewish lawyers in New York City. He retired several years later to devote himself to charitable work. In 1852, nine men, including Sampson Simpson, joined together to establish the Jew's Hospital in New York which later became Mount Sinai Hospital. Simson served as the first president of the hospital's Board of Directors, personally covering many of the expenses and donating the land upon which the hospital was originally built on West 28th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues.
Baccarat introduced their iconic Harcourt pattern in 1841 and this service is from approximately the same time period, circa 1850. The Baccarat Empire pattern elevates the Harcourt design model with fine gilded decoration identical at the foot and rim to the Simson service. Armorial crests were executed by special commission which included the 1828 Louis de Bourbon Ewer, the Duke of Aosta service, Service de L'Elysee, Countess of Paris Service and those of other prominent individuals.
The service includes:
Wine decanter with handle: 10.5 inches high, 5.5 inches diameter
Wine Decanter: 10.38 inches high, 5 inches diameter
8 champagne coupes: 5 inches high, 4 inches diameter
8 wine glasses: 5 inches high, 2.63 inches diameter
8 water glasses: 6.63 inches high, 3.57 inches diameter
8 liqueur glasses: 4.13 inches high, 2.13 inches diameter
Condition: Very Good. very light age appropriate surface wear
Baccarat registered its trademark in 1860 at which time a paper label began to be attached to pieces, very few of these labels have survived. Prior to this period, Baccarat pieces were unsigned, with the exception of some early paperweights bearing the letter B. Early Baccarat is identified by quality, pattern and references.
References: Christie's, Auction 2814, January 23, 2014 for a silver brandy warmer by Myer Myers with an identical crest, the lot essay identifying the crest as that of Sampson Simson
_ we are grateful to Jill Waddell, Christie's VP, Senior Specialist, Silver Department for her assistance with identifying the Simson crest.
A Baccarat wine decanter...
Category
19th Century Empire Antique French Crystal Serveware
