In 1863 Maximilien de Habsburg, Emperor of Mexico ordered 4,938 pieces of silverware including various epergne and centerpieces incorporating designs similar to that of the present lot, which is currently housed, in part, at the Museo Nacional de Historia, Mexico City (see The Second Empire, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1978, pp.129-130). A related centerpiece was shown at the 1851 Crystal Palace Exhibition and is illustrated in H. Bouilhet, Christofle, 150 ans d'orfèvrerie, Paris, 1981, p. 67.
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The Collector: English & European Furniture, Ceramics, Silver & Works of Art
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Overall good condition, though would benefit from a more thorough cleaning. Dirt, tarnish and polish residue present in the crevices. The oak leaf branch on one side loose but secure. With a small break to one branch on the opposite side, only visible on close inspection. Together with an associated glass dish insert, not original to the model and not photographed for the catalogue.
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Lot 307Sale 21000
BY CHRISTOFLE & CIE., PARIS, CIRCA 1865A NAPOLEON III ELECTROPLATED EPERGNEEstimate: USD 8,000 - 12,000
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