"French Powder Flask Belonging To General Saignes Mathieu. Born In Albi. Consulate-first Empire."
French powder flask belonging to Brigadier General Mathieu Saignes, born in Albi (Tarn). Made of fine fawn-colored gourd, with a solid silver frame, spout, stopper, and escutcheon (unmarked). The escutcheon is engraved with the intertwined initials "SM". Height: 17.5 cm. SAIGNES, known as Michel Mathieu-Pierre-Paul. Brigadier General, born in Albi (Tarn) on June 18, 1749; died in Stenay (Meuse) on August 16, 1830. Very good condition. Late 18th century. France. Louis XVI, Revolution, Directory, Consulate, First Empire.