A set of two crystal decanters and twelve glasses, Europe for the Egyptian market, mid-19th century

comprising two decanters with stoppers (each one finely incised with 'order' number), four large wine glasses, two champagne coupes, four smaller desert wine glasses and two very small desert wine glasses, the whole set decorated with grape vines and floral blossoms, with red glass crest containing the letter 'M' on one side and coat-of-arms on the other

Osiris Auction Hall, Isador and Zorvodaki, Antique Experts and Auctioners, Cairo, 12 July 1961 (accompanied by a copy of the original invoice)

All in overall good condition, incomplete set, all intact, could benefit from a clean, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Each piece belonging to this beautiful set of Saint Louis crystal is decorated with two protruding red crest-form panels containing the letter 'M' on one side and a coat-of-arms on the other. These refer both to Muhammad Sa'id Pasha, Ottoman wali of Egypt from 1854–63, and a crest combining Sa'id Pasha's coat-of-arms, with its characteristic crescent-moon and three stars, with an anchor divided by two flags associated with Port Said, the city which was established for the building of the Suez Canal in 1859. By repute gifted to Sa'id Pasha by his close friend Ferdinand de Lesseps, who, with him, was responsible for the construction of the Suez Canal, this set marked the historic moment at which the ratification of the contract was signed.