Delightful pair of antique Belle Epoque era French cut crystal carafes. Housed in the original presentation box. Mounted with sterling silver lids, decorated with intricate neoclassical patterned friezes, the spout with a Grecian wreath and figural palmette thumbpiece. Applied glass handles. Wheel cut fluting to the body and a deep 16-point starburst to the base. In overall good antique condition. Some scratches to the crystal, no chips or cracks. The lid does not close flush to the spout on one of the carafes. Stands 7" total height with the thumbpiece x 4 3/8" wide, with a 2 1/4" diameter opening. Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark, in use from 1838 the mark depicts the goddess Minerva with a number 1 beside her to indicate a silver content of .950/1000 silver (95% silver and a higher grade of finesse than the standard .925 for sterling). Bear maker's marks for silversmiths Risler & Carré, active 1897 to 1912 at 16 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris. The presentation box shows wear commensurate with age and use. Box measures 10 1/4" x 5 1/8" x 7 1/2" height.