Stunning French L'Ecuyer Trompe-l'oil Silver Plated Champagne Bottle Cooler 40cm
Parisian glamour with a sparkling surprise inside A magnificent silver bottle. A secret stash of champagne. And a wonderfully French sense of fun. This fabulous mid-20th-century silver-plated champagne holder, attributed to L'Ecuyer of Paris, is a delightful example of trompe-l'oil-French for "deceive the eye".
It looks like an oversized silver champagne bottle, complete with its own gleaming "cork". But unscrew the body and its sparkling secret is revealed: a real bottle of champagne concealed inside. A bouteille surprise-a "surprise bottle". A fitting description for a piece that puts a little mischief into elegant entertaining.
At approximately 40 cm tall and 1.73 kg, it makes a magnificent entrance. The sweeping shoulders, slender neck and brilliantly reflective silver plate have tremendous presence.Set it beside your glasses and let your guests wonder. Who gets to open it?
Then comes the reveal-and suddenly everyone wants one. Parisian style, with a wink Bearing the SIS diamond mark and L'ECUYER name, this is French table glamour at its most playful. It conjures candlelit dinners, immaculate white linen and a waiter who understands that a little theatre is part of the pleasure. Its substantial construction and ingenious presentation suggest a connection with grand hotels, fine restaurants or ocean liner service: champagne arriving with a flourish, silver catching the light and an evening full of promise. Today, it would look equally fabulous on a contemporary home bar.
Bring it out for a birthday, an anniversary, Christmas drinks or simply because Friday deserves better than an ordinary bottle on the table. And yes-the surprise actually works I have personally tested it with the standard 75 cl Laurent-Perrier champagne bottle pictured, and it is tremendous fun. The sealed bottle fits inside with its cork and foil still in place.
Screw the silver body together, replace the decorative top and the champagne is hidden from view. It helps keep a pre-chilled bottle cool, and chilling the holder beforehand helps preserve that chill for longer. Once the champagne is opened, remove the decorative top and you can even pour from the real bottle while it remains inside its silver disguise. A small amount can dribble down into the base during pouring, so empty and dry the holder afterwards.
A little vintage eccentricity is part of the experience. The fun is watching a gleaming silver bottle apparently deliver the champagne. A party piece in every sense For lovers of cocktail culture, unusual barware and entertaining with personality, this is a splendid find. It brings sculpture to the drinks trolley, sparkle to the dinner table and a talking point to every celebration.
It would also make a memorable gift for the champagne enthusiast who seems to have everything. They may have the glasses, the cooler and the favourite vintage-but have they got a silver bottle with a bottle hiding inside? Details Vintage silver-plated trompe-l'oil champagne bottle holder / cooler. Marked SIS within a diamond, with L'ECUYER beneath.
Attributed to L'Ecuyer of Paris; broadly dated to the mid-20th century. Approximately 40 cm tall and 1.73 kg.
Screw-thread body, removable shoulder and neck section, and separate decorative screw-on top. Tested with the standard 75 cl champagne bottle shown; other bottle shapes may fit differently.
Bright polished appearance, with surface scratches and signs of use consistent with age. Please examine the photographs for the finish and interior. Champagne bottle pictured for demonstration and scale; not included. Make the evening go with a pop. From TicketyBoo Finds - interesting antiques chosen for their character and craftsmanship.
If you enjoy unusual silver, antiques and well-made objects with history, do have a look at my other listings - I'm always adding interesting pieces.