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273 - Household of Emperor Napoleon I.
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Estimate €25,000 - €35,000
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Description
Household of Emperor Napoleon I. Rare gilt chamberlain's key. The ring is carved with oak and laurel leaves, with the imperial eagle in the centre. crown resting on a shield with the numeral "N". Round stem, half decorated with a string of water leaves on an olive engraved with two bees. Punched collar and round ball. The key is attached to a period bow in green moire with gold trimmings. Coq 1 Paris 950 hallmark. Guarantee hallmark Paris. Biennais goldsmith's hallmark. Length: 17.5 cm. B.E. First Empire period. Historical background: At the Tuileries, under Napoleon I, there were at least four chamberlains who simultaneously acted as introducers for visitors to whom an audience had been granted by the Emperor. granted an audience by the Emperor. The keys were often chiselled by Biennais and decorated with bows in gold trimmings, sequins and tassels. These keys, fitted with clips, were worn on the belt of the robe. They had flat backs and no bit. They were paid for by "Napoleon", who paid for them out of his coffers and gave them to the holders. Related work : "Rare Chamberlain's key, n° 160, Osenat sale, 9 December 2006. Provenance : Napoleonic Collection of the Prince's Palace of Monaco, No. 119, Osenat, Fontainebleau 15 November 2014.
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About the sale The Empire at Fontainebleau - Second day
Auction location
Auction time 06/21/2026 at 10:30 AM
Lot description modified on 06/10/2026 at 9:46 AM
Pictures credits:
Michel Bury and Henri du Cray
See original version (French)
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