Vintage Gilt Dessert Slice with Faceted Crystal Handle (c.1950s–1970s)

Vintage gilt dessert or serving slice, notable for its elegant mid-century modern design. It features a faceted glass or crystal bead in the handle, which adds a decorative, almost glamorous touch reminiscent of 1950s–1970s Hollywood Regency or Italian cocktail-era tableware.

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Most likely 1950s–1970s — the combination of gold-tone metal and a cut glass or crystal accent was fashionable in postwar design, particularly in continental European and Hollywood-inspired tableware.

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Design Features

Gold-tone finish: Likely brass or a gold-plated alloy.

Faceted glass bead: Often used in decorative serving pieces or barware of the period. Could be Bohemian crystal, Austrian, or Italian glass.

Octagonal or faceted stem ending in a small ball finial — a refined, geometric form typical of mid-century modern design.

The slice bowl is leaf-shaped or almond-shaped, adding to its decorative appeal.

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Similar designs were produced in Italy, France, and Germany, sometimes sold by luxury department stores (Harrods, Galeries Lafayette, etc.) as part of cocktail or canapé sets.

In Italy, makers such as Brassini, Cesa 1882, and smaller artisan foundries crafted gilt serving utensils with glass elements.

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Likely Function

Decorative dessert or caviar slice, or part of a cocktail serving set.

Could also have been part of a vanity set (for sugar, cosmetics, or bath salts) given the crystal detailing.

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25 cm long