CA0651 Important French Empire nécessaire de voyage

Important, exquisite and complete French Empire period nécessaire de voyage. This rare box contains 61 pieces, many in gilt silver produced by the pre-eminent silversmith of this period, Pierre-Noel Blaquiere and stamped dated to Paris 1809-19 and earlier. The fine brass banded mahogany casket is by Jean-Baptiste Casimir Aucoc and inscribed along the locking mechanism 'Aucoc Bte du Roi Rue St. Honoré No 154 à Paris'. Removable internal mirror with original glass. The box inset with a bronze plaque bearing the coat of arms of the Dukes of Choiseul-Praslin. Based on the quality and date on the gilt silverware this box, on balance, probably belonged to Charles Félix de Choiseul-Praslin (1778-1841), Duc de Praslin, Chamberlain to Napoleon in 1805, created a Count of the Empire in 1810 and an important figure throughout the Napoleonic and Restauration periods at court, the army and government. He rallied to the Bourbon flag in 1814 and was rewarded as a peer of France by Louis XVIII in 1819. He died a Knight of the Legion d'Honneur in 1841. The island of Praslin in the Seychelles was named In 1768 in honor of his father the French diplomat César Gabriel de Choisel, duc de Praslin. This nécessaire could well have been inherited, and used, by his scandalous son Charles de Choiseul-Praslin. 

A full list of contents can be supplied on application. All pieces are original except maybe one hairbrush which looks to be a later replacement. France, first quarter of the 19th century.

H 18.5cm x W45.5cm x D 32cm

Price on Request