- 230
Two matching Royal French silver wine coasters, one Martin-Guillaume Biennais, Paris, circa 1810
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
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Description
- one marked on base, numbered 89, the other with traces of marks on base rim (pre-revolutionary?), numbered 45
- Silver
- diameter 5 in.
- 12.7cm
with fluted and beaded borders and a pierced gallery, centers engraved with crowned coat of arms for Louis XVIII, in fitted presentation case from Cartier. Together with a copy of the 1931 Cartier receipt.
Provenance
Cartier Inc., New York, July 16, 1931
Condition
both with minor dings to rims and center, No. 45 with engraving softened, No. 89 missing two flowerheads from pierced gallery, overall good
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Biennais was court goldsmith to Napoleon I, starting even before Bonaparte was Emperor; the 2003 exhibition on Biennais at the Louvre was entitled, L’orfévre de Napoléon: Martin-Guillaume Biennais. This close association with the deposed Emperor cost Biennais his court appointment at the Restoration. Because the Bourbons did not order from Biennais, these coasters with the Bourbon arms almost certainly were originally delivered for Napoleon, with the Imperial arms, then erased and re-engraved with the Royal arms at the time of the Restoration.