This is an authentic, antique absinthe fountain from the late 19th or early 20th century. The fountain's glass was used as advertising for the distillery Graville - Harve, located in Marseille, France. The words "Distillery Graville - Harve Marseillaise" are acid etched onto both sides of the glass bowl. The fountain also features the classic "club" turning spigots, facet (panel) cut glass bowl and the "pineapple" ornament on the lid (a symbol of hospitality). The fountain has the original asbestos water filter inside the bottom of the globe. At one time this would have been removable to clean. The glass globe is mouth blown and the fountain is handmade. Fountain has four metal faucets, accommodating four glasses at the same time. At some point in time, one of the four spouts was reinforced with solder further securing the spout firmly to the base (see photo). All four spigots turn. The mouth-blown glass globe is in excellent condition and the bottom half is facet cut. There are no cracks or chips in the glass globe. No restoration is needed.

Since its arrival into the United States, nothing in or on the fountain has changed or altered.

Absinthe fountains were most often used in high-end bars because of their expensive price tag. They were typically brought to the customer's table, where he would prepare the absinthe himself. Unfortunately due to accidents, very few antique fountains have survived intact with its original glass bowl. Absinthe fountains were (and still are today) the preferred way to prepare absinthe, as one can control the rate of water to their liking.

This is an extremely rare example of absinthe history and should be considered show piece. It is not advisable to use this fountain to prepare absinthe.

Circa 1880 - 1910.Etched into the glass: "Distillery Graville - Harve Marseillaise" (see photo).Fountain measures approx. 20.25" (51 cm) tall.Approximately 8.25" (21 cm) under spouts for glasses. Glass globe is mouth blown and is original to the fountain.Fountain is handmade.Imported from France.