Odiot - "louveciennes" - 6 Dessert Forks - Minerva Silver - De Foy Family

These flatware pieces bear the arms associated with Maximilien Sébastien Foy (1775-1825), Major General, Count of the Empire, Grand Officer of the Legion of Honor and a major figure in Napoleonic campaigns, whose name is inscribed on the Arc de Triomphe.
A remarkable officer, he distinguished himself notably in Spain, where he was wounded several times, before becoming under the Restoration an influential deputy and a great liberal orator.

The presence of the Minerve hallmark (post 1838) indicates manufacture after his disappearance.
It is therefore highly likely that this menagère was commissioned by his son, Maximilien Sébastien Auguste Foy (1815-1871), 2nd Count Foy.
The latter, Pair de France under the July Monarchy, moved in the highest political spheres and perpetuated the family rank and prestige.
It was customary, in these great families, to have armorial silverware made taking up the inherited arms and titles.