RARE c.1798-1809 French Empire Nécessaire Traveler’s Vanity, Sewing, Writer’s Box, Pierre-Dominique Maire and Tonnelier, Paris

Thought of as Palais Royal, and perhaps initially marketed from the luxurious boutiques flanking the gardens of the old Cardinale Richelieu Palace, this one is particularly special. The top 2 makers of necessaries during the Revolution and First Empire were this maker, Pierre-Dominique Maire (c. 1763-1827), and Martin-Guillaume Biennais, silversmith to Napoleon. The 2 competed directly in creation of these layered elaborate sets for Royals of Europe and top dignitaries of the world in their time. Do some research on your own to understand the true museum piece, investment quality set we’re putting before you herein. Found in France, it is far more complete than most, though does miss a few items. Layers of writer’s tools and vanity & dining rest still in their spots, over 30 in all. The interior lid has its easel-vanity mirror, behind which is the folio for important papers, correspondence. Everything from 18k gold trimmed pen and hygiene items, to thread spools, brush and comb, inkwells, eyewash cup and tongue scraper, dental tools and silver-sheathed toothbrush, to a deep bowl/saucer and matching cup in hand painted porcelain and a water and wine cup. Everything a traveler would need. Even the original 2 silver-capped inkwells remain in their spaces. Spectacular set, the wine cup shows its silversmith as Tonnelier, dates about 1798. The set has 2 of the MAIRE labels, placing the firm at 154 Rue St. Honoré, across from the Oratoire, Paris, which address is across from the older section of the Louvre. I’ll add an intaglio print to illustrate the approximate view of the Louvre from MAIRE’s business address. History is important! Makers attained lauded reputations, and this one is at the pinnacle, if 2nd to Biennais. Museum worthy, and among others, will retain and continue to rise in value. I found several references to museum collections and also high value auction results from Sotheby’s and the rest. This is your opportunity to own famed creations of the best, as France was in Revolution and then as Napoleon was in his ascent.

Very good to excellent condition throughout. The chest is top quality burled wood, very slight disruption visible on the top, but not too distracting. Elaborate brass work, cornering and stringing, and the original working lock has its key, which is also rare. Inside, the condition is just fabulous – look at the trays, fittings, and implements. A few are missing: scissors, silver spoon, a folding toothpick, the original pocket knife (a period one is in the space, but it is English, 1700s), not much missing here. The presence of undamaged porcelain bowl/saucer and cup, and the Baccarat water glass, and slightly dinged but present sterling silver wine cup or timbale by Tonnelier – etc., etc., etc. – it’s a thrill to open it and wander through the fascinating necessities within. Only slightly less than perfectly complete. A true work of artisan’s excellence. I do not know for whom it was made, but perhaps further research with the monogram will help reveal it.  No warp to the casket, chest, box. Stunning find!