Charles Christofle, 1844-1847. - Lot 135

Charles Christofle, 1844-1847. RARE PART OF THE DESSERT SERVICE FOR THE TABLE 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 last King of the French, azure with three golden fleurs-de-lis and a silver label, surmounted by a closed crown, on a background of tricolored flags, with the scepter and the hand of justice in saltire, and with the arms of the Princes of 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 Gilded metal -Twelve dessert spoons, L.: 18.9 cm (2 with the King's coat of arms and 10 with the coat of arms of the Princes of Orleans) -Twelve dessert forks, L.: 18.2 cm (6 with the King's coat of arms and 6 with the coat of arms of the Princes of Orleans) -Twelve dessert knives with gilded blades: Six of the 1st model, L.: 20.4 cm (2 with the King's coat of arms and 4 with the coat of arms of the Princes of Orleans) Six of the 2nd model, L. 21.2 cm (all with the arms of the Princes of Orleans) Hallmarks: de maître for Charles Christofle circa 1844-1848, and de maître for the Christofle house, 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. XD