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RARE NECKLACE OF THE ORDER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT FROM THE RESTO…
See original version (French)
23
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RARE NECKLACE OF THE ORDER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT FROM THE RESTO…
See original version (French)
Estimate €60,000 - €80,000
Voluntary lot
Description
RARE NECKLACE OF THE ORDER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT FROM THE RESTORATION PERIOD, CIRCA 1825
In gold, comprising 29 chiselled and enamelled links with alternating motifs: a fleur-de-lis with red-enamelled flames; the letter ‘H’ – representing the Order’s founder, Henry III – adorned on the top and sides with royal crowns, and on the underside with cornucopias and red-enamelled flames; a trophy of arms comprising a plumed helmet enamelled in blue and white, a sword, a quiver, a mace, a trumpet and a flag, as well as red-enamelled flames.
The links are connected to one another by green-enamelled rings and fluted links. One of the links holds the terminal jewel in place by means of two chains comprising 17 double links and a sturdy fluted cross-ring.
The terminal ornament of the Ouizille-Lemoine model:
A double four-pointed cross with rounded ends, a white-enamelled border, and a centre decorated with green-enamelled flames. Each arm is interspersed with a fleur-de-lis in the round.
The obverse of the centre piece is adorned with a dove with an undivided tail, enamelled in white with a gold border around the plumage, set against a background of green-enamelled flames. The reverse of the centre piece is in two parts, decorated with Saint Michael slaying the dragon, enamelled.
The necklace has a hook clasp, in two parts, decorated with foliage and fleurs-de-lis, hallmarked with a ram’s head (1818–1838).
Condition report:
The pendant is in Very Good condition. (Minor hairline cracks and small areas of missing enamel on the flames on the reverse).
The necklace is in Good condition. (Nineteen links with chips and areas of missing enamel, mainly on the red flames, eight of which have slight deformities at the tips).
Ram’s head hallmark on a field of fleurs-de-lis.
Un-enamelled dove’s head. Eyes and beak enamelled red.
Dimensions (jewellery): 72 x 70 mm
Dimensions (one link): 43 x 48 mm
Total gross weight: 538 g
Trilobed wooden case covered in red morocco leather (showing signs of wear and small chips on the edge) with the Great Arms of France, encircled by the King’s orders, stamped on the lid, and a frieze of intertwined laurel leaves around the edge, tied with ribbons holding alternating fleurs-de-lis and crowns at their centre.
Closes with three brass clasps; the lid fastenings are in sky-blue moiré (cut off).
Grey velvet lining.
It rests on five semi-spherical feet.
The case bears, on the underside and inside the lid, the maker’s label stamped in gold: ‘OUIZILLE & LEMOINE BIJOUTIERS DU ROI QUAI CONTI n°7’.
Order established by Henry III on 31 December 1578.
A rare collar of the Order of the Holy Spirit, Restoration period, circa 1825
Provenance: - Presented during the Restoration to an unidentified Knight of the Order;
- Presented to the 5th Earl of Ashburnham, appointed on 18 November 1897 by Don Carlos, Duke of Madrid;
- Presented to a French aristocratic family in the early 20th century;
- Then passed down through the family.
Bibliography: - Hervé PINOTEAU, *The State of the Order of the Holy Spirit in 1830 and the Survival of the King’s Orders*, Nouvelles éditions latines, 1983, p. 116;
- Patrick SPILLIAERT, The French Royal Orders: A History of the Predecessors of the Legion of Honour, Le Léopard d’or, 2026, p. 125;
- Patrick SPILLIAERT, *The Insignia of the Order of the Holy Spirit*, Le Léopard d’or, 2026, p. 125.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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