Bell Engraved With Imperial Arms By Christofle, Silver Metal - Napoleon III Period

Flat bell or plate in polylobed shape, engraved with the imperial coat of arms of the Bonaparte family in which the imperial eagle has been replaced by the intertwined SP monogram. The set was made in silver metal by Christofle and bears the hallmark of master goldsmith Charles Christofle et Cie. This piece is similar to the silver service delivered by Christofle to Emperor Napoleon III at the start of his reign. It seems that copies of the various services performed for the emperor were made in silver metal for the imperial family. The study of the genealogy of the Bonaparte house encourages us to attribute the monogram SP to Suzanne May (1812-1861), daughter-in-law of King Jérôme and wife of Jérôme Bonaparte-Patterson (1805-1870) from the first marriage of the brother of the Emperor Napoleon with an American Elisabeth Patterson. It seems that Suzanne May used her mother-in-law's surname. During his ascension to the throne, Napoleon III reinstated his first cousin and his two children into the imperial family and the latter were welcomed in Paris in 1854. Jérôme Bonaparte-Patterson died in the United States in 1870. Consequently, this piece d The silverware can be dated between 1854 and 1861. It was in 1830 that Charles Christofle founded the Christofle house. By purchasing numerous patents, Christofle specializes in silver metal to the point that its name becomes synonymous with the latter. Charles Christofle became a supplier to Napoleon III in 1851 and then to all the imperial and royal courts both in Europe and in Mexico for example. The Christofle house perpetuates this tradition by being today the supplier to the Elysée. Good general condition, well preserved silvering. height 17.5cm diameter 24cm