RARE CRYSTAL GOBLET FROM THE SERVICE OF EMPEROR NAPOLEON IER - Lot 150

RARE CRYSTAL GOBLET FROM THE SERVICE OF EMPEROR NAPOLEON IER IN ITS CASE A small "taillé riche" crystal field goblet, of the so-called Dutch shape, i.e. cylindrical with a flared rim, it has the particularity of being cut with a diamond-point grid in its lower part. It has a twelve-sided base and a rounded container. It is engraved in the center of the upper part with the crowned N of Emperor Napoleon I. Very good condition. Attributed to the Montcenis crystal factory, Le Creusot, First Empire period. H. 9 cm. Preserved in its brown goatskin slipcase, the interior lined with green silk velvet. The outside of the case is decorated in gold with imperial symbols: a bee semis and at the top, the same number N under an imperial crown. Very good condition. H. 10.5 cm. History Glassware for the Maison de l'Empereur comes mainly from the Montcenis crystal works. The former Manufacture Royale des Cristaux, founded in 1787, contributed to the development of French glassmaking and its crystal. In 1806, the factory won the gold medal at the Exposition des Produits de l'Industrie for the perfect quality of its crystals. Managed by Ladoueppe du Fougerais (1766-1821), it was awarded the coveted title of "Manufacture de Leurs Majestés impériales et royales". Renowned for its innovative shapes, it created a number of models, notably for a new type of glass for sparkling Champagne wines: flutes. Manufacture de Cristaux de Montcenis also produces gobelets, stemless glasses like this one. The richness of the work is explained by the identity of its patron: the House of the Emperor, identifiable by the engraving of the "N" under the imperial crown, in the flared upper part. "Taillé riche" for wine, this goblet is protected in a case when it accompanies the Emperor on his travels. Even in his daily life in the countryside, the Emperor continued to use objects of his rank. At every stop, he wanted to find the same country furniture. The Emperor's household must therefore respect his habits and the etiquette of the imperial palace. Because of their fine craftsmanship and high price, the objects that follow the Emperor are generally protected by a beautifully crafted case to safeguard them from accidents during his travels. A daily item on the Emperor's bivouacs, this goblet seems to have followed him on his last campaigns in 1814 and 1815. Related work Few comparable examples are known: one belongs to a private collection, another is kept at the Musée Napoléon Thurgovie, Château et Parc d'Arenenberg, and two goblets are in the collections of the Fondation Napoléon. An identical goblet and case sold at Millon, May 26, 2023, lot 85 (sold for €17,000). A larger goblet sold at Osenat, November 20, 2016, lot 373 (sold for €6,250). Literature The goblet and case in the Napoleon Thurgau Museum in Arenenberg are reproduced in: La cave de Joséphine, le vin sous l'Empire à Malmaison, cat. exp., RMN, 2009, cat. 143, p. 123.