Vintage French Pressed Crystal Bud Vase with Gilt Brass Foot

A slim faceted glass vase raised on a gilt brass foot, the sort of piece that reads as far more expensive than it is. The whole body is worked in a tight allover diamond point pattern that catches light from every angle, and the rim finishes in a sawtooth crown of points. The brass foot ring is set with small cast shells at intervals. It holds a single stem or a few, and earns its place on a mantel or shelf whether or not there are flowers in it.

[d]Dimensions | 10.25 in H x 4.25 in D

[d]Surface | Original glass and gilt finish, unpolished

[d]Primary Material | Pressed lead crystal

[d]Period | Vintage

[d]Date | Mid-20th century

[d]Origin | France

[d]Style | Neoclassical taste

[d]Also Known As | bud vase, stem vase

[d]Mount | Gilt brass foot ring with cast shell ornament

[d]Construction | Mold-formed with allover diamond point pattern and sawtooth rim

[d]Secondary Material | Gilt brass

[condition]

The vase is in good vintage condition and displays well. The glass is bright and clear with strong light return through the diamond point pattern. The sawtooth rim is intact around its full circumference with no chips or losses that I can find. The body shows the light surface scratching and a little interior cloudiness normal for a vintage vase that has held water and been handled. There is a small amount of dark speckling visible against the glass in a couple of the photos, which is minor and does not read at display distance. The gilt brass foot ring is secure to the glass and sits flat. The gilt on the brass shows light rubbing and wear consistent with age, with some softening of the finish along the high points. The cast shell ornaments are all present. The star cut underside of the foot is intact.

Attribution note: this is assessed from photographs and construction. The glass carries a mold seam through the base and the facets are mold formed rather than wheel cut, which places it as pressed rather than hand cut. It has a light ring and some weight, consistent with lead content, so it is described as pressed lead crystal. There is no maker's mark. Origin is given as France on the character of the mount and pattern; it is not confirmed by a mark.

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