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Napoleon I / Porcelain "Love Letter" Box

Currency:USD Category:Western Americana / Collectibles - Jewelry Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
Napoleon I /  Porcelain  Love Letter  Box
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Well, here is a great piece of history !! Discovered in the 1970's, in San Francisco , California. This is a exceptional, French Napoleonic , love letter box. It is porcelain, and made in France. The overall colorization is a deep burgundy wine color, know to have been used only by Marie Antoinette only...on an exclusive basis . It is highlighted with gold filigree work, and other striking ornamentations. This piece is crowned with several large letter " N's ,surrounded with laurel wreaths, and the skinny eagles of that period. The inside of the box is white porcelain, with a pink rose design Most of the letter boxes of this period , featured french noblemen or royal ladies. However, this one is highly unusual, because it features Napoleon himself , receiving a last minute message , during a battle with his troops. The extensive design work on this piece, gives it a jewel like quality. 8 sided, 4" high x 11 long x 7 1/2" wide . Made by command of Napoleon 1 , for presentation... and said to have been owned by Marie Antoinette, and latter given to her lady in waiting( Chamber maid). It was in the same family, since then...and passed down from the great, great , great grand mother, to my mothers friend. My mother received the item , in payment for services rendered, to the 94 year old survivor ( In 1970). This item is identified by William Chaffers.... in his 1974 book entitled " Marks & Monograms on Pottery & Porcelain ". Page #273...from the Faubourg factory, St. Antoine, rue de la Roquette...( Street name)....1773. Outstanding, item, and the only one know to me, at this time.Do you like great things?...here it is...!! ( RH). State: France City: Date: 1773 HWAC# 40607