Rare Museal Louis XIV Transition Period Watch Stand - Royal Monogram Ll

Rare pocket watch holder 18th C. from Royal provenance  with Louis XIV "
coat of arms double L et dove  of the Holy Spirit french order.

Under Louis XIV, the monogram (ciffer) consisted in two facing capital Ls in cursive script. It is repeated on most monuments and on most of the rooms and objects furnishing the Royal palaces.

Made of a wooden case of curved outline, covered with leather in imitation of tortoiseshell with gilt enrichments in relief consisting of militaries trophées,  mask,  scrolls, shells, French Order of the Holy Spirit figurated by a dove. The pediment-stamped top is hinged and form the lid of a compartiment for containing a watch.

On  the sides the monogram of  King Louis XIV (interlaced double L) is stating King's ownership.

This is a High value and very rare collectible as only four are known (Inc. This one) :  two similar ones in Paris musée des Arts Décoratifs and one  in London Victoria museum.

References:
- A similar pocket watch stand is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum collections in London -  Fitzhenry bequest in 1914 as reproduced in Tardy (3rd edition), p. 142
- Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris - Inventory A 146 - Louis XIV period watch holder with an ink inscription underneath: " belongs to the King and from the Palace of Versailles." This item was part of the MAD exhibition "Trompe l'oeil. Imitations, Pastiches and other illusions" from February 2, 2012 to November 15, 2013.
- Lot 187, Daguerre Auction House in 2009 - Louis XIV period watch stand, wood and leather, monogram of King Louis XIV - sold for €3,400 (expert Derouineau).

Sold in "as is " condition  (missing and slight leather detachments).