ENAMELLED GOLD MEDALLION WITH A SILVER PLAQUE, AND AN ENAMEL MEDALLION OF THE ROYAL ORDER OF THE SERAPHIM OF SWEDEN, AWARDED TO PRINCE NAPOLÉON JÉROME (1822-1891). |

 (manqué un lion)

Prince Napoléon Jérôme, called Plon-Plon (1822- 1891);
Prince Victor Napoléon (1862-1926);
Prince Louis Napoléon (1914-1997)

(a) Sash Badge in gold and enamels, width 54.3mm The badge is of fine quality but is apparently unmarked. The overall condition is excellent although the badge is dirty and greasy, with no attempt at cleaning having been made. There is light overall wear and the following faults may be noted, all of which are considered minor and very typical of a piece of this kind which has been worn: Obverse: white enamel slightly cracked and chipped at the very tip of the right-hand arm where it joins the hinge for the crown; centre with minor imperfections to the enamel but no losses; two seraphs' wings slightly strained, probably as a result of catching on fabric (no losses, and easily rectifiable if wished) Reverse: tiny flake of enamel lacking from beside the seraph's wing at 5 o'clock (b) Breast Star, in silver with gold and enamel initials, crown and inner circle at centre, of multi-part construction with bolt-mounted seraphim and double crosses, width 79mm, unmarked, with plain silver backplate and vertical brooch-pin suspension. Also of excellent quality, probably privately-made at a later date than the badge which would have been issued on Investment with an embroidered breast star; this is by no means unusual. The star is well-toned and appears never to have been cleaned. The domed centre has original blue enamel over guilloché silver but this enamel is chipped away at six points around the border, a common flaw with delicate work of this kind and commensurate with use. As a defect this is felt to fall into the category of 'wear and tear' rather than serious damage. Although not shown in the catalogue illustration, the badge is suspended by a gold split-ring inverted teardrop-shaped hanger of correct and original type from the pale blue sash of the Order. I do not know what is meant by the cataloguer's remark '(manqué un lion)'.
"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."