This high-end gift box is made of a rigid construction bottom and lid. The outside box top and 2 sides feature embossed, silver foil-stamped printing, making for a rich, shiny silver finish on a black matte background. The inside of the lid highlights a reproduction Belle Epoque advertisement, while the inside box bottom displays a 19th century French invoice, visible through the glasses.

Perhaps the most popular antique absinthe glass on the market today is the legendary Pontarlier glass. While there were many variations from the pre-ban era (before 1915 when absinthe was banned in France), this style is considered the quintessential traditional Pontarlier absinthe glass.

The glass was made famous, and originally named, after appearing in an advertisement for the #1 absinthe producer of the time - Pernod Fils. The advertising print showed Pernod Fils' hometown newspaper from Pontarlier, France, laid across a table next to a bottle of Pernod and two glasses (see above photo). Through a nationwide marketing campaign, this print was sent to bars all over France, adding to the recognition of the Pontarlier glass. The Pontarlier glass soon became synonymous with absinthe.

The glass is made to the same measurements as original Pontarlier absinthe glasses, including the reservoir. The reservoir (located at the bottom of the glass) is used to measure the amount of absinthe to be added. This measured dose aided the bartender in knowing the exact amount of absinthe to add, as well as showing the customer it was an honest pour. The size of the reservoir generally corresponded with the size of the glass being used. Water-to-absinthe ratios vary by the drinker, but are generally 3 to 5 parts water, to 1 part absinthe. The reservoir measures 25 ml (.8 oz), which is standard for an absinthe glass of this size.

• Gift Box measures 8.125" (20.6 cm) x 8.125" (20.6 cm) x 3.75" (9.5 cm).
• Glasses are thick, heavy machine made, molded glass.
• Each glass measures 3.375" (8.6 cm) in diameter x 5.25" (14.6 cm) in height.
• Glass holds 9 fl oz (26.6 cl).
• Reservoir holds approximately .85 fl oz (25 ml).
• Precut die form holds glasses in place.
• Imported.