Silver-gilt and enamel Napoleon portrait spoon, French (c 1870-90)

Title	Silver-gilt and enamel Napoleon portrait spoon
Nationality	French
Period	c 1870-90

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This splendid spoon (just over 11.5cm top to bottom) has the Napoleonic eagle at the top and a portrait of the Emperor in the bowl. It was almost certainly a commemorative piece, either from the time of the Second Empire (1854-71) or the last Napoleonic revival in the 1890s.

There are some European hallmarks on the reverse, as well as the word 'Importe'. This might well be a German or Italian piece, bearing in mind the high quality of the enamel.

It would appear to be parcel gilt, inasmuch as the decorated part of the stem is plain silver while all the rest has been heavily gilded.

There is no damage to the enamel, but there is minor age wear and patina to the metal throughout, particularly to the wings of the eagle.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Ephemera : Cutlery : French : 19th Century]

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