Gilt bronze Chamberlain's key bearing the numeral of His Maj - Lot 19

Gilt bronze Chamberlain's key bearing the numeral of His Majesty the Emperor Napoleon I. Ring adorned with a crowned eagle, resting on a shield with the numeral "N", surrounded by a wreath of laurel and oak leaves; round stem adorned with water leaves and chased below with a bee, ending in a ball. Back fitted with a long round-backed hook. Empire period. Dimensions: 17 x 7.5cm Chamberlain's keys were a badge of office in the Germanic and Russian courts, then in France under the First and Second Empires. In gilt bronze, vermeil, silver or even fine gold. At the Tuileries, under Napoleon I, there were at least four of them simultaneously acting as introducers for visitors granted an audience by the Emperor. The keys were often chiselled by the goldsmith BIENNAIS and decorated with gold and passementerie bows with sequins and "tassels". These keys, fitted with clasps and sometimes without a bit, were worn on the belt of the suit. They were paid for by Napoleon, who paid for them out of his own coffers and presented them to the holders of the office.