{"product_id":"rare-antique-18th-c-french-sterling-silver-biennais-marked-oval-casserole-serving-dish","title":"RARE Antique 18th C. French Sterling SIlver, by Famed Martin Guillaume Biennais (1764-1843) Oval Casserole, Serving Dish","description":"\u003cp\u003eVery rare antique French Napoleonic era 18th century sterling silver BIENNAIS hallmarked oval casserole or serving dish with armorial style engraved heraldry including lion rampant \u0026amp; \"Animo Et Fide\" (With Courage \u0026amp; Faith) Inscription! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMartin Guillaume Biennais\u003c\/em\u003e (1764-1843) \u003c\/strong\u003ewas 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImperial table silver\u003cbr\u003eCoronation regalia\u003cbr\u003eCeremonial swords and weapons\u003cbr\u003eLuxury travel necessaires\u003cbr\u003eSilver-gilt presentation objects\u003cbr\u003eFurniture integrated with precious metals\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe worked in the highly influential Empire style — the French version of Neoclassicism inspired by ancient Rome, military triumphal imagery, and imperial symbolism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBiennais’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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Antiques \u0026 Uncommon Treasure","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48297699574014,"sku":"526biennais","price":1595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0298\/3392\/0556\/files\/526biennaisa.jpg?v=1780174546","url":"https:\/\/antiques-uncommon-treasure.com\/zh\/products\/rare-antique-18th-c-french-sterling-silver-biennais-marked-oval-casserole-serving-dish","provider":"Antiques \u0026 Uncommon Treasure","version":"1.0","type":"link"}