The French Belle Époque Ménagère

Antique French Belle Époque ménagère cruet stand in Louis XV Rococo revival cast metal, complete with original glass, ca 1880–1910.

Found at a market in France, this ménagère — the French table condiment stand — holds oil, vinegar, salt and condiments in four original glass inserts, all intact. The cast metalwork follows the Louis XV tradition: deep acanthus scrollwork at the base, C-curves and S-curves meeting at claw feet, a spiral-reeded stem with leaf ornament, and a ring handle framed in a Rococo cartouche. Complete ménagères with all original glass present are genuinely uncommon — the glass is the first element to disappear over a century of use.

Condition: Good antique condition. Dark original patina throughout the metalwork. All four glass pieces present and whole, stoppers included.

Measures: H 30 × W 20 cm (11.8 × 7.9 inch)