- 68
A French silver-gilt chamberlain key with the cypher of Emperor Napoléon I, Martin-Guillaume Biennais, Paris, 1809-1815
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 EUR
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Description
- silver
- Height 16.7 cm, 130 g ; 6.6in., 4oz 4dwt
decorated with the imperial eagle and with imperial crown above initial N within an escutcheon, the base applied with a bee
Condition
The key in overall good condition, marks legible
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
For an identical key belonging to the Fondation Napoléon, please see Trésors de la Fondation Napoléon dans l'intimité de la Cour impériale, Musée Jacquemart-André, 2004, pp. 82-83; in the same collection and from the same pattern can be found a key with the cypher of Joseph Napoléon, King of Spain, another with the cypher of Prince Eugène, vice-king of Italy and another one, bigger, with the cypher of Napoléon I, King of Italy, all by Biennais. They all come from the Jacques Reubell collection. They were later bequeathed to the Fondation Napoléon by Mr Lapeyre.