RARE Antique French Sterling Silver Officer's or Travel Set: Flatware, Pot, Cup

Description

RARE Antique French Sterling Silver Officer's or Travel Set: Flatware, Pot, Tumbler & More
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Rare antique French Louis XVIII to Louis Philippe era sterling silver military officer or travel set, etui sans outer case that includes tumbler and/or pot with "RS" monogram and detachable side handle, large folding or "pliante" dinner sized fork & spoon with ebony handles, teaspoon, ebony spice (salt & pepper) etui and all in the original fitting that slides down into the sterling cup or pot! Between 1819 and 1838 so this superb officer's field or traveler's "necessaire" or dining accoutrement hails from just after the end of the Napoleonic Wars and conquests. The French Michel-Ange or Michelangelo silver marks tell us that all silver was made during the above dates and that small number "1" mark within tells us the silver used is .950/1000 pure silver, a luxurious material in the time it was created, so we can be quite certain it would have been either an Officer of Napoleon's or a titled or Royal traveler who owned this fine set. That it survives in as complete a condition as it does is really quite rare, and speaks to its heritage and to many many generations of family who have cherished it in the 200 + years since it was made and used. The silversmith marks are for Theodor Tunneler, 23 tue Chapon, Paris from 1798 to early 1800s. The set was made in Paris, also something affirmed by those silver marks, and it's more than likely it was initially purchased from one of the boutiques that flanked the promenade of the old Palace of Cardinal Richelieu, a gathering place by this time for Napoleon's armies, local dignitaries, and some ladies of the sort that military officers might look for, too, for a little comfort. Prior to this era, the Palais Royal, as the site was known, hosted Royals and dignitaries from around the world, and was not only a site for the finest goods to be had, but also a center of theatre and dining. A long and lauded history, the 'Palais Royal' goods that survive bring a premium for that distinction. I would bet highly this is one, as well.
Very good condition. The necessaire is nearly complete, lacking very few of the original contents and, of course, it would originally have been housed in an outer black leather case or etui. The ebony handles of the folding fork & spoon are missing the silver shield shaped cartouche inlays and one bone spice sifter insert is missing from the ebony tube (see pictures). It looks like the case has an opening for a knife but it's not with the set. Quite surprising that as many original pieces have survived intact and in such magnificent condition. See pictures for individual weights and measurements.
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_gsrx_vers_631 (GS 6.9.8b6 (631))