A French silverplate champagne ice bucket of classic baluster form, featuring a pair of cast lion head ring handles — a decorative motif associated with French hotel and restaurant silverware from the late 19th and early 20th century. The French silverplate champagne ice bucket typifies the style of pieces produced for grand dining service, where quality presentation at the table was standard practice.
The body is highly polished silverplate over a base metal, retaining strong reflectivity across the surface with some visible patina and minor marks consistent with age and use. The two opposing handles each consist of a cast lion mask from whose mouth hangs a twisted rope-style ring — finely detailed and darkened slightly with age, adding contrast against the polished body. The rim carries a closely engraved arcade and beaded border, and a matching engraved band runs around the circular foot. The interior is open and unlined, appropriate for holding ice and a champagne or wine bottle. Some surface wear and minor tarnish spots are visible, as noted by the seller.
The bucket measures approximately 20cm in height / 7.9 inches. Width across the rim is estimated at approximately 22cm / 8.7 inches based on the photos. These dimensions are confirmed by the seller as 20cm height.
A functional and decorative piece suited to a bar, dining room or wine cellar setting. Lion head ring handles of this type are a recognizable motif in French silver and silverplate service ware, making this bucket a practical collectible for those drawn to French table arts.
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