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Breathtaking glasses which recall the French Revolution and a revolution in glass making used by the Russian Court to provide royal gifs will be on sale at Bonhams 4 June auction of Fine British and European Glass and Paperweights.

Lot 400, a rare French double-walled beaker by Pierre-Philippe Grichois (pictured right), circa 1853, is one of only five such glasses of this hugely complex construction. Constructed with two glasses, one fitting snugly within the other they hold between them a complex and beautiful gold and silver filigree. This stunning glass is estimated to sell for £2,500 to £3,500.

Simon Cottle, Director of Bonhams British and European Glass Dept, comments: "Goldsmith Pierre-Philippe Grichois created this glass and others like it for the Imperial Court of Russia from where they were sent to other royal courts as gifts. Grichois was accepted as a member of the Guild of Gold and Silversmiths in the region of Paris on 21 May 1850. He was an innovater who used gilded chased silver between extremely thin glass walls, sealing the somewhat wider gap between the two glasses at the rim with a band of silver. Due to their delicacy, surviving examples are rare. Including this glass, only five surviving examples are known."

Another masterwork in glass in the sale recalls the French Revolution. Lot 439 appears to be a never ending firework display under glass in red, white and blue. Created in the year of the French Revolution, the exploding image seems as appropriate now, 160 years later as it must have at the time. A very rare Baccarat concentric millefiori `fireworks’ paperweight circa 1848, it was made specifically to commemorate the French Revolution of 1848. It is estimated to sell for £4,000 to £6,000. This brilliant object is one of only two examples of this type known.

Among the collection of dozens of paperweights there are floral, marine, fruit and patterned designs to dazzle the eye ranging in price from £400 to £6,000. For such small discrete objects they pack a punch and remain intriguing conversation pieces.

For more details visit the Bonhams web site.

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