pair of antique egyptian revival sphinx trumpet vases - 19thc french spelter

An exceptional, highly collector-focused matching pair of 19th-century French Egyptian Revival style mantel trumpet vases. These striking decorative pieces seamlessly blend heavy, structural metalwork with delicate, hand-finished glass artistry. They serve as an incredible statement addition to any serious antique collection, mantelpiece, or Grandmillennial interior design.

Design & Style History
Dating to the mid-to-late 19th century (Napoleon III era), this set beautifully captures Europe's historical obsession with "Egyptomania". The tripodal bases are intricately cast in the form of three couchant (reclining) Sphinxes wearing traditional royal nemes headdresses. The bases support stunning, removable trumpet-shaped glass inserts featuring a distinct molded optic spiral twist design that catches and refracts ambient light beautifully.The Maker's Mark of Authenticity: Pre-Industrial Craftsmanship
Unlike flawless, machine-stamped modern imitations, this set boasts incredible, highly sought-after bench-assembly traits that prove its 19th-century lineage:
The Hand-Blown Glass: While matching perfectly in exterior length, the glass inserts show minor variations in internal cavity depth and wall thickness. This is a natural result of individual glass-gathering and hand-blowing.
The Hand-Ground Tips: The tapered bottom points feature authentic, historical lapidary wheel-ground and polished flat ends. These were individually hand-cut by the artisan to custom-tailor the height alignment of the set.
The Custom Metalwork: To accommodate these hand-blown variances, one of the soft spelter sockets shows evidence of being hand-widened at the factory to snugly receive its designated glass insert, ensuring perfect stability.Condition Report
Glass Inserts: Both glass horns are in beautiful antique condition. Crucially, the fragile, unpolished tapered tips are completely intact with no major chips, snaps, or cracks. Natural, tiny air bubbles (seeds) are present within the glass matrix, further authenticating their antique, hand-blown production.
Metal Pedestals: The heavy cast metal bases (brittle spelter/zinc alloy) retain an authentic, deep charcoal-gray aged patina with fine lathe-turned textures. One of the top serrated metal rims shows a small historical notch/fracture (visible under close inspection), which is a common characteristic of delicate antique spelter over time. It does not affect the structural integrity or stability of the glass insert.Dimensions (Approximate)Total Height (assembled): 6.5 inches
Base Width (foot-to-foot): 2.5 incheswww.bshivedesign.co.uk

Antiques.co.uk Ref: UK7T97UB6

Materials:

Glass, spelter

Width (cm):

6.5

Height (cm):

16.5

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Barbara Harris

I am an avid collector of individual, unusual and interesting pieces of vintage and antique collectibles, sourced from auctions and antique events. I am particularly interested in rare figurines, Italian ceramics and glass, studio pottery, small pieces of furniture, brass instruments, cosmetic compacts, beaded purses etc. Favourite makers Minton, Beswick, Poole, Coalport, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton amongst many others. I do not have a website, but sell mainly through Etsy and eBay. I currently have a wide range of over 300 items for sale, with many ‘followers’ and regular customers. I live in a 16th Century cottage in the beautiful Wye Valley – perfect surroundings to cultivate my interest in all things vintage and antique. I am happy to supply more detailed photographs of the items for sale or to source ‘wanted’ pieces.

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