111 - CUSENIER OXYGENATED ABSINTHE - c. 1900

CUSENIER OXYGENATED ABSINTHE - c. 1900 Rare original promotional absinthe fountain made of glass and nickel-plated metal. Approximately 51.5 cm tall and 26.5 cm wide, including the faucets. In excellent condition— 100% original, complete, and without any restoration or reassembly. The glass decanter, free of chips or cracks, features its acid-etched advertising design, which is perfectly legible. The entire frame is strictly original and has never been reassembled: period lid with acorn-shaped knob marked “Georges LONG-Paris,” internal filter, four functional taps with clover-shaped keys, all resting on its period shower-style base. A very attractive piece in excellent condition and free of any later modifications, displaying a superb patina. Founded in Ornans (Doubs/Bourgogne-Franche-Comté) in 1858 by Eugène Cusenier, the large distillery launched its flagship product in 1894: Absinthe Oxygénée. Distilled using an exclusive technical process that injected oxygen, it was marketed during the Belle Époque as a hygienic and protective beverage—a health claim popularized by the famous slogan of the poster artist Tamagno: “C’est ma santé” (“It’s my health”). THE ABSINTHE FOUNTAIN: UNDERSTANDING THE RITUAL - A staple of Belle Époque bistros (1900), the fountain was used to dispense ice-cold water drop by drop. This very slow trickle of water was essential for dissolving the sugar placed on the spoon and releasing the aromas of the “Green Fairy.” Models with four taps allowed several customers to prepare their drinks simultaneously. SHIPPING & PICKUP: Shipping is handled by service providers specializing in the care of works of art. For this collectible piece, purchasing their shipping insurance is strongly recommended. To ensure it remains in perfect condition during transit, the fountain will be shipped disassembled. The item may also be picked up free of charge at our gallery, with no storage fees. The final AI-generated ambiance photo is provided for illustrative purposes to help you appreciate the item’s proportions in context. Only the original photographs are authoritative.