A GROUP OF FOUR HARDSTONE SEALS, LATE 18TH CENTURY AND LATER | A group of four hardstone seals, late 18th century and later

comprising: a small gold, enamel and hardstone desk seal, Geneva, circa 1810, faceted agate handle, the gold collar and cushion decorated in bright taille d'épargne enamelling with floral motifs, the amethyst matrix engraved with the cipher of Jérôme Napoléon, King of Westphalia, apparently unmarked, 6cm.; a gold-cased carnelian fob sale, late 18th century, the matrix engraved with a monogram, according to family tradition that of Madame Mère, Laetizia Ramolino, 3.5cm.; a commemorative hardstone and metal desk seal, French, late 19th century, of tapering cylindrical form, the agate handle overlaid with openwork oval panels containing military figures, the top engraved with the Imperial 'N', the steel matrix engraved with the Imperial eagle above the motto of the Légion d'Honneur: Honneur et Patrie, 9cm.; and a silver-mounted hardstone desk seal, French, mid 19th century, faceted rock crystal handle, the collar and cushion cast with floral scrolls, the foiled citrine matrix engraved with a crowned eagle above the motto: Honneur / Liberté, post-1838 boar's head control, 7.8cm. high  

Jérôme Napoléon, King of Westphalia (1784-1860);
Prince Napoléon (1822-1891);
Prince Victor Napoléon (1862-1926);
Prince Louis Napoléon (1914-1997) The carnelian fob seal and the commemorative hardstone and metal desk seal:
Prince Victor Napoléon (1862-1926);
Prince Louis Napoléon (1914-1997)

The silver-mounted hardstone desk seal:
Eugénie, Empress of the French (1826-1920);
Prince Victor Napoléon (1862-1926);
Prince Louis Napoléon (1914-1997)

The first with minor losses to coloured enamel; the fob seal with rubbing to gold revealing metal below on edges. Chipping to edges of engraving of cipher; the metal of the third shows traces of gilding and the matrix has rusted slightly; the fourth with the foliate decoration somewhat rubbed.
"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."