A Louis XV ormolu, lacquer and Meissen porcelain inkstand circa 1750, the ormolu marked with the C couronné poinçon

Estimate

6,000 - 8,000 USD

bidding is closed

Description

The 'C Couronné poinçon', (Crowned C) was a tax mark struck on any alloy incorporating copper, produced or offered for re-sale between March 1745 and February 1749.

The stamp CR (casa reale) is an inventory mark frequently found on the furnishings of the Palazzo Ducale of Parma and Colorno. It was the property of Philip of Bourbon (son of the King of Spain) and his bride, Madame Louise-Elisabeth (the eldest daughter of Louis XV).
height 8 in.; width 11 3/4 in.
20.3 cm; 29.8 cm.

The ormolu stamped with the letters C. 650 and R flanking a crown. The underside of the base inscribed: in black ink C 650, in black ink crossed through 126 and another black ink number 19(?)66 crossed through; modern inventory number 18473 (possibly French & Co.) and in yellow paint 39908/2; also traces of an effaced paper label with black ink numbers.

Provenance

By 1856 recorded in the inventory of the Palazzo Ducale of Parma and Colorno assigned inventory number 650. In 1861 inventoried again in the Palazzo, assigned number 1600 and described as: "un calamaio composto di tre vasetti ed un vasoio di legno violaceo, con piedi e guarnizioni di bronzo, avente nella parte posteriore due portalumi pure di bronzo dorato e statuetta di porcellano". In the State Archive of Parma there is a document which relates to the transport of the present lot to Turin in 1862. It specifies that the number of the inkstand in the new 1861 inventory was 1600, and that in the old 1856 inventory the number was 650.

We are grateful for the assistance of Dr. Giuseppe Bertini in identifying the present inkstand in the Colorno inventories.

Condition

Overall good color match with the catalogue illustration. Some flowers missing and broken, consistent with age and use, and as visible from the catalogue illustration. Restoration to the hand of the figure. One of the cups is broken at its base, otherwise minor chps and rubbing to the gilt decor. The cups are slightly loose. Minor wear and surface dirt. Minor rubbing to the mounts. In otherwise good condition.
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.