Royal. A French parcel-gilt silver presentation vase, cover and liner, Odiot, Paris, circa 1845

of quatrefoil form, the base and handles mounted with cast cherubs and the surfaces richly chased with masks, arabesques and other motifs, equestrian group finial, the gilt interiors of the liner and cover engraved with French and English inscriptions, stamped: ‘ODIOT / A PARIS’

The Glasgow Herald, Monday, 15 September 1851, p. 5b

The base stamped with standard mark only, the bowl struck with maker's mark on the thread junction. The cover and liner clearly struck with maker's marks, standard marks and stamped retailers mark. One handle is a little loose to the rim. There is a small 1.5cm. long split to the base with attempted repair visible from inside. Gilding and engraving to cover and liner is crisp. Liner fits a little loosely to body. Decoration is generally crisp with light surface wear. Good condition overall.
"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."

The presentation was widely reported in the Press:
‘PRESENTATION TO DAVID HUTCHESON, ESQ., BY THE EX-ROYAL FAMILY OF FRANCE.
‘We are happy to learn that Mr. David Hutcheson, the able managing partner of the Highland Steam-boat Company, has just been presented by the ex-Royal family of France with a handsome and very valuable silver vase, ornamented with gilt figures, in acknowledgement of the courtesy and attention which that gentleman paid to the Royal exiles during their late tour through the western Highlands. The vase consists of a plateau, with a cup, or plate, supported on a pillar of silver richly chased. The corners of the plateau consist of beautiful and massive gilt figures in filigree work; the handles of the vase are ornamented in a similar manner, and the cover is surmounted by a beautifully executed rearing horse in gild silver, forming one of the most massive and beautiful table ornaments which we have ever seen. The workmanship is by the celebrated Odiot of Paris. There is no inscription upon this very valuable present; but we understand it is the intention of Mr. Hutcheson to have the following graceful letter, which accompanied the gift, engraved in the inside of the plate. . . .’
(The Glasgow Herald, Monday, 15 September 1851, p. 5b)

The inscription on the interior of the liner reads as follows:
‘Presented to David Hutcheson by The Queen Marie Amelie and her Sons The Duke de Nemours & Prince de Joinville Accompanied by a Letter of which the following is a COPY
‘Claremont, le 6 Sept. 1851.
‘Monsieur, - La Reine Marie Amélie et les Princes ses fils ont gardé le meilleur souvenir des soins que vois avez pris de S.M. et de L.L.A.A.R.R. Durant leur sejour in Ecosse.
‘S.M. et L.L.A.A.R.R. desirent que vous puissiez en conserver le témoignage; en consequence, je suis chargé de vous informer que vous recevrez en leur nom, une coupe, que S.M. et L.L.A.A.R.R. vous priet d’accepter à titre de remerciment.
‘Je me felicite, Monsieur, d’être dans cette occasion l’organe de la Reine et des Princes, et je vous prie de recevoir l’assurance de ma consideration distinguée.
‘Gl. C. DUMAS.’

In addition an inscription on the interior of the cover reads as follows:
‘The following is a Copy of a Letter accompanying a Gold Mounted Pencil Case with the word "Souvenir"engraved on the Stone. Received by David Hutcheson on the Part of the Duchess d’Orleans, Whom, with her two Sons The Count de Paris & Duke de Chartres He had the Honor of conducting through the Highlands of Scotland in July 1851, in the suite of Her Royal Highness were The Count & Countess de Ségur, and other distinguished Personages.
‘COPY
‘Edinbourg 22 Juillet 1851.
‘Monsieur
‘Son altesse Royale, Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans, me Charge de vous offrir de Sa part un porte, Crayon, qu’elle vous prie d’accepter Comme un marque de Sa reconnaissance pour vos bous Soins et un Souvenir de Son passage en Ecosse.
‘Veiullez Monsie

ur, recevoir l’expression de mes Sentimens distingnés.
‘M^ise. De Pins Peysae.’

Marie Amelie, Queen of the French, otherwise Duchess d’Orléans, was born Maria Amalia of Naples and Sicily on 26 April 1782. The seventh child of Ferdinand I of the Two Scillies and his wife, Maria Carolina of Austria, she married in 1809 Louis Philippe, Duke of Orléans (1773-1850). Following the July Revolution of 1830 in France, the Duke was declared King of the French in succession to his deposed cousin, Charles X (1757-1836). Marie Amelie, at first reluctantly Queen of the French, is said to have considered her husband’s acceptance of the crown a catastrophe. She eventually warmed to the role, but before long political and social problems across Europe concluded in the Revolution of 1848. Louis Philippe was forced to abdicate and he, Marie Amelie and their surviving children left for England where Queen Victoria arranged for them to live at Claremont House, near Esher some 16 miles south west of London.