An Empire ormolu and patinated bronze fire fender possibly Italian, early 19th century

with impressed numbers and inventory marks L2271, 1, DC18 and 0527RC.

Reggia di Colorno, near Parma

Patinated bronze with rubbing in areas throughout; ormolu with rubbing, areas of oxidation, and traces of surface dirt; minor scattered dents, not extensive; in otherwise good overall 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.

The inventory marks found on this lot indicate that this fire fender was at one point at the ducal palace in Colorno, Italy. The building of Palazzo di Colorno was commissioned by the ill-fated Barbara Sanseverino in the early seventeenth century and the palace subsequently passed onto the Farnese family after her execution by the Farnese on May 19, 1612. After the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748, Parma became the seat of the new Bourbon rulers of the duchy and Colorno was eventually made the main ducal residence. After a few years under Napoleonic rule, Parma was awarded to Marie Louise of Austria at the Treaty of Fontainebleau in 1814. Colorno quickly became the Empress' favorite residence where she lived with her second husband, Adam Albert von Neipperg. It is most likely that this lot entered the ducal collections either during the brief Napoleonic period, when renovations were carried out at Colorno, or under the reign of Marie Louise as she is also known to have made alterations to the palace interiors and the garden. After the unification of Italy, much of the contents of Colorno were transferred to Rome, where they remain today at the Palazzo del Quirinale, the official residence of the president of Italy.