Charles Christofle, 1844-1847. - Lot 109

Charles Christofle, 1844-1847. RARE PART DE MÉNAGÈRE FROM THE TABLE SERVICE OF LOUIS-PHILIPPE IER, KING OF THE FRENCH, AND HIS FAMILY AT THE CHÂTEAU D'EU - THIRTY-SIX PIECES FOR TWELVE GUESTS. Engraved with the arms of the Princes d'Orléans, azure with three golden fleurs-de-lis and a silver label, surrounded by the collars of the Order of Saint Michael and the Holy Spirit, surmounted by a crown of prince of France. This set bears eloquent witness to Charles Christofle's famous goldsmith's commission to serve King Louis-Philippe at the Château d'Eu in Normandy. The present set was intended for use at the table of Louis-Philippe I and his family at the Château d'Eu, his favorite family residence, where he twice welcomed Queen Victoria of England, sealing the First Entente Cordiale. Threaded model Silver-plated metal -Twelve table spoons, L.: 21.4 cm -Twelve table forks, L.: 21.2 cm -Twelve table knives, L.: 24.5 cm Hallmarks: de maître on the ferrule of the knives, for Charles Christofle circa 1844-1848, and de maître for the house of Christofle, re-inscribed after 1862 on an older de maître hallmark, with the CHRISTOFLE stamp, on the spoons and table forks. These pieces are designated in the Etat des Objets d'Argenture Christofle taken out of the Palais d'Eu and sent to England to the d'Orléans family after the February 1848 revolution (see ill. appendix cat.). Provenance : -Louis-Philippe I, King of the French, at Château d'Eu -his widow, Marie-Amélie, Queen of the French -his son, Louis d'Orléans, Duc de Nemours -his son, Ferdinand d'Orléans, Duc d'Alençon -by descent.