Rare Artillery Plate – First Empire – Imperial Eagle And Crossed Cannons, 1804–1815

Rare French Napoleonic Artillery Brass Plaque – Imperial Guard Style – 31 x 34 cm – ca. 1804–1815

An exceptionally rare French Napoleonic brass plaque, measuring 31 x 34 cm, featuring the emblematic crowned Imperial Eagle perched atop crossed cannons, flanked by four flaming bomb motifs—classic iconography of the artillery corps under Napoleon I.

This finely cast escutcheon likely originated as a decorative ceremonial plate affixed to a field artillery carriage, limber chest, or possibly used as an emblem mounted to a regimental standard or flagpole. The presence of four corner attachment lugs, clearly intended for leather straps, suggests field-use practicality while retaining ceremonial display intent.

The crowned eagle, crossed cannons, and grenade motifs were widely employed during the First French Empire (1804–1815), particularly among elite artillery units and the Imperial Guard Artillery. The design echoes those found on period sabretaches, officer buttons, and military standards from the Napoleonic campaigns.

This piece exemplifies the decorative and symbolic pride of the French artillery, used in military parades, garrison displays, and official inspections. Comparable plaques can be found in major military museums including Musée de l’Armée (Les Invalides, Paris) and Vienna’s Heeresgeschichtliches Museum.

• Origin: France, First Empire period (ca. 1804–1815)

• Material: Cast brass

• Dimensions: 34 cm height × 31 cm width

• Design:

  • Center: Crowned imperial eagle on a bed of crossed cannons

  • Corners: Four flaming bomb/ grenade emblems

  • Reverse: Cast with integral strap lugs at each corner for mounting

• Condition: Excellent overall with original patina. No restoration. All four attachment lugs intact and structurally sound. Minor age wear consistent with early 19th-century manufacture.

• Provenance: Private Belgian collection. Believed to have originated from a ceremonial cannon or military standard belonging to a Napoleonic artillery unit.