Biennais Martin Guillaume Imposing Pair Of Double Silver Salt Cellars

Imposing pair of double silver salt cellars from the Empire period by the goldsmith Biennais Martin Guillaume, goldsmith to His Majesty Emperor Napoleon I. They rest on an oval tray with 6 feet in the shape of lion's paws, the border decorated with a frieze of alternating quatrefoils and a matt background, the whole surmounted by a second frieze of palmettes. The salt cellars each supported by three winged angels/cherubs, the grip formed by a cupid or Cupid holding his bow at arm's length, a quiver in the back, resting on a pedestal applied with butterflies. Paris 1809-1819 Salt cellars well hallmarked under the trays, borders, supports, receptacles and grips. The goldsmith's hallmark is marked several times on each salt cellar. Height 19.5cm, Width 19.5cm Significant weight of 1 kilo 627grs *A salt cellar with this same handle is represented in the "Receuil de dessin d'orfèvrerie du premier empire par Biennais orfèvre de napoleon 1er et de la couronne", plate 17, as well as the supports plate 95/96 *Four salt cellars of a similar model, same handle and pedestal; Sotheby's December 15, 2004 *Two similar salt cellars in vermeil, Museum of Florence, known as the Service de France *Two Vermeil salt cellars, pedestal with butterflies, Museum of Chicago, present offered by Napoleon to Pauline Borghèze