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Rare Pair French Empire Solid Glass Globes with Brass Harpie Chimera C1890
Sold by Exhibit Antiques
sold SA1108212
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Exhibit Antiques

Exhibit Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2019
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Id #SA1108212
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Rare Pair French Empire Solid Glass Globes with Brass Harpie Chimera C1890

19th century
Sold 2 March 2025 · Exhibit Antiques
This “Rare Pair French Empire Solid Glass Globes with Brass Harpie Chimera C1890” found a buyer.

It was listed by Exhibit Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

Technical Description

A rare pair of French Empire solid glass cut globes held on brass tripod stands featuring three winged Harpie Chimera.

The glass balls are solid with central polished bands and outer fields of geometric cut diamonds. Each ball weighs over 1.5kgs.

The brass stands have creatures known as Harpy Chimera or Harpy Term, often referred to simply as a "term" in classical ornamentation. They combine a human female torso with wings, and a single leg that ends in a hoof. The style is rooted in classical and mythological design and became popular in the French Empire style (early 19th century) under Napoleon, when designers drew heavily on Greco-Roman and Egyptian influences. The stands each weight 927 grams.

Originally they would be used as centre pieces on a large table or either side of a fireplace mantle.

Date & Origin

France, c1890

Condition

Excellent, no chips, cracks or restoration. The screws on the understide of the tripod which hold the harpie stands in place are more modern replacements.

Dimensions

Height: 27cm. (including ball)

Diameter Ball: 9.5cm

Physical Dimensions
Height
27cm (10.63")
Width
9.5cm (3.74")
Depth
9.5cm (3.74")
Declaration

Exhibit Antiques has dated these French Crystal Glass Globes to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1108212
Dealers Internal Reference
2024091807
Description
Technical Description
“
A rare pair of French Empire solid glass cut globes held on brass tripod stands featuring three winged Harpie Chimera.
Exhibit Antiques

The glass balls are solid with central polished bands and outer fields of geometric cut diamonds. Each ball weighs over 1.5kgs.

fig 1. A pair of faceted cut-glass globes resting on ornate cast brass stands featuring winged chimera figures.
fig 1. Rare Pair French Empire Solid Glass Globes with Brass Harpie Chimera C1890

The brass stands have creatures known as Harpy Chimera or Harpy Term, often referred to simply as a "term" in classical ornamentation. They combine a human female torso with wings, and a single leg that ends in a hoof. The style is rooted in classical and mythological design and became popular in the French Empire style (early 19th century) under Napoleon, when designers drew heavily on Greco-Roman and Egyptian influences. The stands each weight 927 grams.

fig 2. A pair of faceted cut-glass globes resting on ornate cast brass stands featuring winged chimera figures.
fig 2. Rare Pair French Empire Solid Glass Globes with Brass Harpie Chimera C1890

Originally they would be used as centre pieces on a large table or either side of a fireplace mantle.

Date & Origin

France, c1890

Condition

Excellent, no chips, cracks or restoration. The screws on the understide of the tripod which hold the harpie stands in place are more modern replacements.

Dimensions

Height: 27cm. (including ball)

Diameter Ball: 9.5cm

Height
27cm (10.63")
Width
9.5cm (3.74")
Depth
9.5cm (3.74")
Date of Manufacture

Exhibit Antiques has dated these French Crystal Glass Globes to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1108212
Dealers Internal Ref
2024091807
Exhibit Antiques
Exhibit Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2019

Specialists in 18th & 19th century antique glass

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Exhibit Antiques Profile Page

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A pair of faceted cut-glass globes resting on ornate cast brass stands featuring winged chimera figures. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I A pair of faceted cut-glass globes resting on ornate cast brass stands featuring winged chimera figures. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Rare Pair French Empire Solid Glass Globes with Brass Harpie Chimera C1890

Archive II A pair of faceted cut-glass globes resting on ornate cast brass stands featuring winged chimera figures. View II
Archive III A pair of faceted cut-glass globes resting on ornate cast brass stands featuring winged chimera figures. View III
Archive IV A pair of faceted cut-glass globes resting on ornate cast brass stands featuring winged chimera figures. View IV
Archive V A pair of faceted cut-glass globes resting on ornate cast brass stands featuring winged chimera figures. View V
Archive VI A pair of faceted cut-glass globes resting on ornate cast brass stands featuring winged chimera figures. View VI
Archive VII A pair of faceted cut-glass globes resting on ornate cast brass stands featuring winged chimera figures. View VII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 01501 228 282
Location
Glasgow
Scotland
United Kingdom
Verified Since Mar 2019
Items For Sale 145
Items Sold 2,193
Exhibit Antiques
Exhibit Antiques
Verified Since Mar 2019
View Dealer Info
Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Verified
Mar 2019
For Sale
145
Sold
2,193
A pair of faceted cut-glass globes resting on ornate cast brass stands featuring winged chimera figures.
Rare Pair French Empire Solid Glass Globes with Brass Harpie Chimera c1890
Ref: SA1108212
A pair of faceted cut-glass globes resting on ornate cast brass stands featuring winged chimera figures.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecorative Objects
  • Period19th century
  • StyleFrench Empire
  • MaterialGlass, Brass
  • ColourClear and Warm Bronze
  • MotifsFaceted crystal cutting, Winged harpy figures, Mythological chimera mounts
  • SizeH 27 cm (11 in) x W 9.5 cm (4 in) x D 9.5 cm (4 in)

The French Empire style flourished in the early nineteenth century, characterised by classical motifs, mythological creatures, and a grand, monumental aesthetic inspired by ancient Greece and Rome.

Authentic pieces from this period typically combined heavy cast brass or bronze mounts with hand-cut lead crystal or blown glass spheres.

Authenticity is determined by examining the patination on the metal mounts, hand-cut facets on the glass showing minor irregularities, and the casting quality of the bronze figures.

These decorative objects work exceptionally well as focal points on a dark wood mantelpiece, a executive desk, or within a glass-fronted cabinet to add textural contrast and historical interest.

Dust the crystal gently with a soft microfibre cloth and clean the glass with a mild solution if necessary, avoiding harsh chemical polishes on the aged brass to preserve the original patina.
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