Lot 3
  • 3

A SET OF SIX FRENCH SILVER DESSERT PLATES, MARTIN-GUILLAUME BIENNAIS, PARIS, 1798-1809 |

Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description

  • 23.8cm., 9 3/8 in. diameter
circular with anthemion rim, each engraved with the Bourbon-Parma coat of arms

Condition

Numbered 451, 579, 554, 112, 956, 576. All nice heavy gauge with crisp borders and admirals. One plate Luigi Vernazzi of Parma. Marks all clearly struck. 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. 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."

Catalogue Note

The engraved arms are those of Maria-Luisa, Empress of France, Duchess of Parma (1791-1847). Marie-Louise, Archduchess of Austria, was the daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor Francis II (1768-1835) and Maria Theresa of Naples and Sicily (1772-1807). She married as his second wife Emperor Napoleon I on 11 March 1810; a year later she gave birth to the Roi de Rome, heir to the throne. Following Napoleon's abdication in April 1814, Marie-Louise became the Duchess of Parma, Piacenza and Guastalla, where, popular among her subjects, she lived for the reminder of her life. She melted the magnificent silver toilet set she had received as a wedding present from the town of Paris so that the proceeds could be spent in helping the population after the devastating cholera epidemic of 1836. At her death, the duchy of Parma was restored to the Bourbon-Parma line and Charles Louis of Bourbon-Parma (1799-1883) became Charles II Duke of Parma.

A further group from the same service was sold Noblesse Oblige, Sotheby's, London, 14 April 2011, lot 118