A really stunningly beautiful fan, purchased in France as "First Empire", or earliest 1800s, but there is some question and it's possible to be 50-60 years later, Empire revival period of Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie. Opulently sequined, the loden green silk front leaf is in remarkably fine condition and misses only very few of the various gold, silver and copper colored sequins embroidered to its face. You can see there are cutaways revealing the broader mesh fabric that comprises the backing of the leaf. A beautiful wood monture on this one, a single break on one of the long slender spines visible from backside, and otherwise perforated and pique inlays against the wood make it an exceptional little beauty. Again, I remain uncertain if it is c.1810 or c. 1850-70. Displays just beautifully! Measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, extremely excellent if Napoleon I era, and excellent, as well, if Napoleon III Empire Revival period or "2nd Empire". The silk is in very good condition, not split, a bit heavier than many and backed with the mesh you see from behind. There are a few tiny sequins missing, not many. I do not see the little edging imperfections which I would expect on a c.1800-1810 sequined fan, but the general feel of this one is 1st Empire. As noted, just the end of 1 spine in the beautiful wood monture has been lost to the centuries, visible from backside. A quite simple restoration project, that. One of my favorites, superb display fan, strong enough to use on occasion.
