A related Baccarat garniture with similar barrel clock was sold 24 April 2002, Christie's, New York, lot 235 ($35,850) and another at Sotheby's, New York, 25 April 2012, lot 136 ($34,375).
Founded in 1764 by Royal consent, the firm of Baccarat became known as the Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat during the 19th century. François-Eugène de Fontenay (who joined the company in 1841) discovered that by the addition of nickel oxide in the manufacturing process, a perfectly clear product, "crystal glass", free of discolouration and imitating precious rock crystal, was produced. Shortly thereafter in 1844 the Baccarat company was awarded a Gold Medal at the French Expositions des Produits de l'Industrie. With the continuing refinement to their manufacturing standards, the quality of Baccarat's 'crystal glass' improved and reached the highest level by the end of the century, competing successfully with the Bohemian glass industry. Baccarat 'crystal glass' is highly regarded, not only for its unusual clarity, but also for its great solidity and weight.