BIENNAIS - Lot 230

BIENNAIS Plain silver cup and saucer from the Empire period. Engraved decoration featuring a mavelot (initials "SD?") set within a laurel wreath The tulip-shaped cup rests on a footed stem encircled by a beaded frieze; the base is adorned with an ovate frieze. The handle is decorated with small flowers and palmettes. The saucer rests on a base decorated with a godron frieze. First-class rooster hallmark and medium-grade hallmark for PARIS 1809–1818. Hallmark of the Goldsmiths’ Association. Master goldsmith’s hallmark: Martin-Guillaume BIENNAIS (a “B” surmounted by a monkey), supplier to Napoleon I, active circa 1801–1819. Signature in full on the saucer: “BIENNAIS.” Cup dimensions: Height (at the rim): 7.8 cm. Max. height (with handle): 9.2 cm. Neck diameter: 8.5 cm. Max. width (with handle): 11.5 cm. Saucer dimensions: H: 2.3 cm. Diameter: 13.2 cm. Weight: 327.6 grams. Minor chips on the neck.