131 - - ABSINTHE TERMINUS - c.1900

- ABSINTHE TERMINUS - c.1900 “Beneficial Absinthe” Rare original promotional absinthe fountain made of glass and nickel-plated metal. Approximately 52 cm tall and 26.5 cm wide, including the taps. This is the LARGE VERSION. In excellent condition, with a beautiful appearance— 100% original, complete, and without any restoration or reassembly. The glass decanter is in excellent condition, with no chips or cracks; there are some faint, minor scratches from use on the lower part of the decanter that do not affect its appearance. Complete with its internal filter and lid marked “Georges Long - Paris” and topped with its famous rooster (there is a tiny chip at the rooster’s tail); the lid’s hinge is broken. It has all four taps; one is unsoldered and two are seized. It comes with its original base, which features a beautiful period patina. Founded in 1893, the “Terminus” extra-superior absinthe brand established its commercial headquarters in Lyon and its distillery in Pontarlier (Doubs/Bourgogne-Franche-Comté). Acquired by the Société Anonyme des Absinthes Françaises in 1898, the brand promoted its pure Pontarlier-produced absinthe made from selected botanicals. It promoted the concept of “Beneficial Absinthe”: a crucial advertising strategy to present its product as healthy and easy to digest, thereby setting itself apart from the adulterated and toxic spirits of the Belle Époque. Its meteoric rise came to a definitive end with the law banning absinthe in 1915. THE ABSINTHE FOUNTAIN: UNDERSTANDING THE RITUAL - A signature feature 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 on the spoon and releasing the aromas of the “Green Fairy.” Models with four spouts allowed several customers to prepare their drinks simultaneously. SHIPPING & PICKUP: Shipping is handled by service providers specializing in the care of art objects. 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 AI-generated ambient photo is provided for illustrative purposes to help you appreciate the item’s proportions in context. Only the original photographs are authoritative.