RARE SAPPHIRE, EMERALD, RUBY AND DIAMOND PIN, EARLY 19TH CENTURY AND LATER

Set with a cushion-shaped sapphire weighing 45.79 carats, surmounted by a calibré-cut emerald-set Roman helmet, each side decorated with a flag and two Roman lances, a monogram and a shield set with seed pearls, the base composed of a sword, laurels, hatchet and crossed canons with a drum in the center, the surmount representing an eagel set with emeralds and a ruby, supporting a later added segment of pavé-set circular-cut diamonds, case stamped Cartier, plaque inscribed 'Presented by Emperor Napoleon Ist to Countess Waleska'.

Given by Napoleon I (1769-1821), Emperor of the French from 1804 until 1814 and again briefly in 1815 during the Hundred Days, to Countess Maria Waleska (1786-1817). Later given by Philip Albert Gustave David Sassoon, 3rd Baronet of Kensington Gore (1888-1939), to Princess Marthe Bibesco (1886-1973) in the 1930s.

Cf.: Christine Sutherland, Enchantress, Marthe Bibesco and Her World, London, 1996, pgs. 191 and 299 for paragraphs referring to lot 345 and its provenance.

Given by Napoleon I (1769-1821), Emperor of the French from 1804 until 1814 and again briefly in 1815 during the Hundred Days, to Countess Maria Waleska (1786-1817). Later given by Philip Albert Gustave David Sassoon, 3rd Baronet of Kensington Gore (1888-1939), to Princess Marthe Bibesco (1886-1973) in the 1930s. Cf.: Christine Sutherland, Enchantress, Marthe Bibesco and Her World, London, 1996, pgs. 191 and 299 for paragraphs referring to lot 345 and its provenance. Accompanied by AGL report no. CS 1077408, stating that the cushion-shaped sapphire, weighing 45.79 carats, measuring 19.13 x 16.48 x 16.22mm, is of Ceylon origin, with no indications of heating. Mounted in silver and platinum. Sapphire with visible colour zoning, some chips and abrasions. Emeralds with typical inclusions, abrasions. Diamonds estimated to weigh a total of approximately 4.00 - 5.00 carats, on average G-H colour, VS claritys , as gauged and graded in the mount. Some signs of tarnish to the reverse. In good condition. Gross weight approximately 68 grams. Fitted case, stamped Cartier, with signs of wear.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, claritys and weight of gemstones are stat.mes nts of opinion only and not stat.mes nts of fact by Replica Shoes 's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes 's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This impressive pin was given by Napoleon I (1769-1821), Emperor of the French from 1804 until 1814 and again briefly in 1815 during the Hundred Days, to Countess Maria Waleska (1786-1817). The motif surmounting the central sapphire is a Roman Helmet, alluding to Napoleon’s wish to associate himself with the great rulers of the Roman Empire. Other emblems, including two crossed canons, a drum and lances demonstrate further Napoleon’s desire to represent military strength. To the right of the central sapphire is a monogram depicting a ‘WN’ entwined, alluding to the Emperor and the Countess Waleska. It is believed that the ruby-eyed eagle, surmounting the piece represents the Imperial Eagle. However, it is not depicted in the usual proud stance, instead it is a recumbent eagle, considered to provide a form of protection to the rest of the jewel, and therefore to the person it is given to. Countess Maria Colonna Walewska (née Lackzinska) was born in 1786 into a Polish family. Her father, Mathieu Laczynski, who had fought heroically during the struggle for Polish independence, died prematurely, leaving his wife Eva with six young children on her own. Maria married Count Athanase Walewski, 55 years her senior, and bore him a son, Antoni Rudolf Bazyli Colonna-Walewski. Together with her husband, they shared a great passion for their nation and became fervent patriots for the freedom of their country, which was at the t.mes dominated by their neighbours Russia, Prussia and Austria. Napoleon returned the country back to the Polish in 1807.

A popular and romantic account of Countess Maria Waleska and Napoleon’s first.mes eting tells that, in 1807, Maria was waiting for the Emperor outside, despite the chill of a bitterly cold Polish winter, at a place Napoleon was due to change horses before heading to Warsaw. It is said that Maria pushed her way through the crowd and asked France’s Grand Marshal of the Palace, Géraud Duroc, to be led up to Napoleon’s carriage, where she stuttered: “welcome, a thousand t.mes s welcome to our land…”. From that.mes eting followed a long love affair between the two, that led to the birth of their child, Alexander in 1810.



Accompanied by AGL report no. CS 1077408, stating that the sapphire is of Ceylon origin, with no indications of heating.