I've owned this a long time. I know way back when I bought it it was presented by a then-reputable antique dealer as a French Grand Tour Souvenir, after the ancient obelisks of Egyptian antiquity. In the vast expansion of Empire under Napoleon, such architectural models were vastly popular. I hadn't experience enough that long ago to determine its age, but since spending 40 years intensely in museums and antiques world, I prefer to identify this as an Empire revival obelisk, probably dating between 1870-1920, when all things French Empire were at a heightened influence in style and decor. Late Napoleon III to perhaps 100 years ago. It does definitely have age. The dore bronze sections remain and of course have the Empire motifs. The 3-section obelisk is nearly perfect, as well. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent for age and type. As noted, I think 100+ years, but not 200+ years (those older Napoleon era ones sell in the $4-9k ranges). The stone is very nicely cut and preserved, with only a small roughness at the very apex/tip (shown in detail - I wouldn't really call it a chip - just worn perhaps from dusting and time. There are no cracks and no breaks. There is a covered base. Inside that cover one could access and likely tighten the mount slightly. It's nicely set, but I think the slight shift or motion possible at joints could be improved with a single turn of what I feel certain is just a nut on a mounting long bolt. It is clean, shows beautifully. Solid and heavy!
