1970s–1980s Toscany Romanian Etched Clipper Ship Decanter & 6 Glasses

DESCRIPTION

A wonderfully handsome vintage nautical bar service attributed to Toscany of Romania, comprising a broad-based ship's decanter with stopper and six matching stemmed glasses, each etched with a full-rigged clipper ship under sail.

The decanter has the traditional low, broad silhouette associated with a ship's or admiral's decanter — a form originally intended to provide greater stability at sea. From its substantial circular base, the glass sweeps upward into a long slender neck finished with a wide clear stopper.

Across the body is an etched multi-masted sailing ship, repeated on each of the six matching glasses. The stemware is particularly attractive, with rounded bowls, substantial circular feet and turned stems punctuated by a central knop.

As a complete seven-piece service, it makes a marvelous bar display: clear, restrained glass from a distance, with the maritime detail revealing itself as you approach.

For whiskey, brandy, cognac or simply a gentleman's bar that could use a little salt air.

WORTH NOTING

Complete seven-piece set:

1 ship's decanter with stopper
6 matching etched stemmed glasses

Closely matching documented examples are attributed to Toscany and Romanian manufacture. Because no surviving maker's label or mark is visible on our set, we are describing the attribution rather than representing the maker as definitively marked.

The etched clipper ship motif is repeated across the decanter and all six glasses.

MEASUREMENTS

Decanter approximately 10" high including stopper × 6" diameter at base.

Glasses approximately 6" high.

Measurements are approximate.

CONDITION

Pre-owned vintage condition with age-appropriate evidence of prior use.

Please review photographs closely for the condition of the etched decoration, rims, stems and feet, as well as the decanter neck, stopper and stopper fit.

FROM THE HOUSE

The broad ship's decanter is one of those bar forms whose history is almost better than its appearance — designed with a low center of gravity so one's brandy had a fighting chance against a rolling sea.

This one earns its place in the House for the complete service: six matching glasses, each carrying the same tall ship as the decanter. Precisely the sort of thing that belongs beside old books, maps and a respectable bottle of something amber.

~ Maxwell