Very rare antique French Napoleonic era 18th century sterling silver BIENNAIS hallmarked oval casserole or serving dish with armorial style engraved heraldry including lion rampant & "Animo Et Fide" (With Courage & Faith) Inscription!
Martin Guillaume Biennais (1764-1843) was the official goldsmith and silversmith to First French Empire ruler Napoleon Bonaparte and became arguably the most important decorative arts maker of the Empire period. He produced:
Imperial table silver
Coronation regalia
Ceremonial swords and weapons
Luxury travel necessaires
Silver-gilt presentation objects
Furniture integrated with precious metals
He worked in the highly influential Empire style — the French version of Neoclassicism inspired by ancient Rome, military triumphal imagery, and imperial symbolism.
Biennais’s rise was closely tied to Napoleon’s rise. Early in Napoleon’s career, Biennais reportedly supplied luxury travel items on credit; once Napoleon became First Consul and then Emperor, Biennais became a favored imperial supplier.
This piece would likely have been nestled in an opulently appointed campaign style chest, with other vanity and/or serving pieces. We've had a few in the past with travel sized cups, tea or coffee services and this would have fit right in. Rare to find, I only wish we could see it in its original setting.
Very good to excellent condition. Some light surface scuffs possible but no notable damage and no repairs. See images for enlarged detail and all measurements. The final photo shows a full necessaire and how this oval casserole would have fit into it. A Biennais necessaire of this nature would be well above $200,000 and it is a pinnacle piece of any finest collection - a Biennais item. Here's your chance to own one.
