Lot 150:
RARE CRYSTAL TUMBLER FROM THE SERVICE OF EMPEROR NAPOLEON I IN ITS CASE
Small model "rich cut" crystal country goblet, in a so-called Dutch shape, that is to say cylindrical with a flared edge, it has the particularity of being cut with a diamond-pointed grid in its lower part. Its base is made up of twelve sides while its container has a rounded shape. It is engraved in the center of the upper part of the imperial numeral with the crowned N of Emperor Napoleon I. Very good state.
Attributed to the Montcenis crystal factory, Le Creusot, First Empire period.
H. 9 cm.
Kept in its shaped case made of brown goatskin morocco, the interior is covered in green silk velvet. The exterior of the case is decorated in gold with imperial symbols: a bee seed and at its top, the same number N under the imperial crown. Very good state. H. 10.5 cm.
Historical
The glassware of the Maison de l'Empereur comes mainly from the Montcenis crystal factory. Former Royal Crystal Manufacture born in 1787, it contributed to the development of French glassmaking and its crystal. In 1806, the factory won the gold medal at the Exhibition of Industrial Products for the perfect quality of its crystals. Directed by Ladoueppe du Fougerais (1766-1821), it received the coveted title of “Manufacture of Their Imperial and Royal Majesties”. Renowned for its innovative shapes, it creates different models, particularly for a new type of glass intended for sparkling Champagne wines: flutes. The Montcenis crystal factory also produces goblets, stemless glasses, like this one.
The richness of the work is explained by the identity of its sponsor: the House of the Emperor, identifiable by the engraving of the “N” under the imperial crown, in the flared upper part. “Rich cut” for wine, this goblet is protected in a case when it accompanies the Emperor on his travels. Even in his daily campaign, the Emperor continues to use objects of his rank. At each stop, he wants to find the same campaign furniture. The Household of the Emperor must therefore ensure that it respects its habits and the etiquette of the imperial palace. Due to their fine workmanship and their price, the objects which follow the Emperor are generally protected by a case which is itself beautifully made in order to protect them from accidents during his travels. An everyday object of the Emperor's bivouacs, it seems that this goblet followed him in his last campaigns in 1814 and 1815.
Related work
Few comparable examples are known: one belongs to a private collection, another is kept at the Napoleon Museum Thurgau, Arenenberg Castle and Park, and two goblets are in the collections of the Fondation Napoléon. A goblet with its identical case was sold at Millon, May 26, 2023, lot 85 (sold for €17,000). A larger cup was sold at Osenat, November 20, 2016, lot 373 (sold for €6,250).
Literature
The goblet and its case kept at the Napoléon Thurgau museum in Arenenberg, is reproduced in: La cave de Joséphine, le vin sous l'Empire à Malmaison, cat. exp., RMN, 2009, cat. 143, p. 123.
€2,000/3,000
Lot 151:
RARE CRYSTAL TUMBLER FROM THE SERVICE OF EMPEROR NAPOLEON I IN ITS CASE
Small model "rich cut" crystal country goblet, in a so-called Dutch shape, that is to say cylindrical with a flared edge, it has the particularity of being cut with a diamond-pointed grid in its lower part. Its base is made up of twelve sides while its container has a rounded shape. It is engraved in the center of the upper part of the imperial numeral with the crowned N of Emperor Napoleon I. Very good state.
Attributed to the crystal factory of Montcenis, Le Creusot, First Empire period.
H. 9 cm.
Kept in its shaped case made of brown goatskin morocco, the interior is covered in green silk velvet. The exterior of the case is decorated in gold with imperial symbols: a bee seed and at its top, the same number N under the imperial crown. Very good state. H. 10.5 cm.
€2,000/3,000
