1798-1809 Martin-Gillaume Biennais Sterling Silver Anthemion Serving Tray - Paris (875 grams) Louis XVIII
$5,000.00
A 1798-1809 silver gilt platter by Martin-Gillaume Biennais, personal silversmith to Napoleon Bonaparte and King Louis XVIII. Biennais lamps sit on the desk of the current French President. This dish is oval with an extremely subdued yet elevated design with a stepped rim and a band of anthemion leaf around the edge. The back is left unadorned. Overall, the gauge is extremely heavy as you would expect from Biennais. Very clearly hallmarked 'Biennais' in his script mark with a slight double strike noted. Also marked with the 1st standard .950 cock mark. Finally remarked with the 1st standard mark from 1819-38 probably from a later assay.
With a spectacular early silver label in Portuguese that translates approximately to: "Silver of the royal castle ...(illegible)... antique French origin 870 gr." Based on the maker, the anthemion flower pattern, and the date, this tray very likely was part of one of the several major sets Biennais made for royal families across Europe. Possibly for a Portuguese royal line.
The only Biennais piece available on the market at the time of this writing except for a spoon also from my shop:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/635076314/teaspoon-of-napoleon-and-louis-xviii-by
Weight is: 875.0 grams.
Dimensions: 10.25" x 15"
In very good antique condition with wear and patina commensurate with age and usage. Most of the gilding has been lost though some remains. Regilding is possible but left to the buyer. One slight ripple that could be conserved if you want this in museum condition. There is surface scratching that could be professionally removed by your silversmith if necessary.
Check out some of my other French sterling silver hollowware here:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=shop_sugg§ion_id=29377404
Or just browse around the shop!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP
With a spectacular early silver label in Portuguese that translates approximately to: "Silver of the royal castle ...(illegible)... antique French origin 870 gr." Based on the maker, the anthemion flower pattern, and the date, this tray very likely was part of one of the several major sets Biennais made for royal families across Europe. Possibly for a Portuguese royal line.
The only Biennais piece available on the market at the time of this writing except for a spoon also from my shop:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/635076314/teaspoon-of-napoleon-and-louis-xviii-by
Weight is: 875.0 grams.
Dimensions: 10.25" x 15"
In very good antique condition with wear and patina commensurate with age and usage. Most of the gilding has been lost though some remains. Regilding is possible but left to the buyer. One slight ripple that could be conserved if you want this in museum condition. There is surface scratching that could be professionally removed by your silversmith if necessary.
Check out some of my other French sterling silver hollowware here:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=shop_sugg§ion_id=29377404
Or just browse around the shop!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP