TWELVE TEA OR DESSERT SPOONS FROM THE TABLE OF LOUIS-PHILIPP - Lot 146

TWELVE TEA OR DESSERT SPOONS FROM THE TABLE OF LOUIS-PHILIPPE IER, KING OF THE FRENCH, AND HIS FAMILY AT THE CHÂTEAU D'EU Engraved with the arms of the last King of the French, azure with three golden fleurs-de-lis and a silver label, surmounted by the closed crown, on a background of tricolored flags, with the scepter and 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 L.: 15 cm (4 with the King's coat of arms and 8 with the coat of arms of the Princes of Orleans) Hallmarks: de maître for Charles Christofle circa 1844-1848 with CHRISTOFLE stamp and EU mark (4). These pieces are designated in the State of Christofle silver objects taken out of the Palais d'Eu and sent to England to the Orléans family after the February 1848 revolution (see illustration in 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