An unusual pair of French Dieppe ivory mirrors Napoleon III, circa 1860

each of oval form, one surmounted by the Royal arms of Scotland with the motto of the Order of the Garter 'honi soi mal y pense',  and the Tudor supporters, the other with  the arms of the Dauphin surmounted by the English Royal Crown and the motto of the Order of the Garter above a beaded border carved with eagles female terms, shields, the figure of Pan, the base with a lyre flanked by two cherub terms, the whole carved with leaves and beading, the sides with a shield-shaped coat-of-arms of of the Dauphin, the other with  a Dolphin, with initials 'MA' and two bosses inscribed MNR 

Old minor marks, chips and scratches, losses, replacements and restorations. They are dirty and could benefit from a light clean. Wooden replacements to the beaded borders. Minor sections and an initial missing. Old restoration to crown on top of arms with dolphins. Highly decorative.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Comparative Literature:
C. Payne, 19th century European Furniture,Woodbridge, Suffolk, 1981, p. 141.
Graham Child, World Mirrors 1650-1900, London, 1990, p. 210, figs, 415, for a very similar mirror (one of a pair), also see fig. 416, for a another related mirror of rectangular form. The illustrated mirror (415) is carved with the monogram of Mary Queen of Scots, helmetted coats-of-arms, dolphins, cherubs and eagles and a heart-reproduced here in fig.1. The other (416) has similar armorials and features but also includes the motto `Monjoye St. Denys'. The mirrors are made of carved and engraved ivory and originate from Dieppe where there was strong ivory carving tradition, for example, David le Marchand (1674-1726) who also worked in England spent some time working there. During the second half of the 19^th century, the ivory workers of this French port  not only made mirrors but also furniture in this technique, see Payne, op. cit., p. 141, figs. 350-352, where he illustrates a pair of armchairs (plate 350), dressing table and mirror  (plate 351) and  small mirror (plate 352) in this technique.

There is scant information recorded about the Dieppe ivory industry other than that the craftsmen produced a wide range of usually small carved objects for the growing tourist trade. The frames and the majority of the furniture produced were `veneered'  with leaves of carved ivory that were pinned to a wooden carcass.