94 Chamberlain's Key from the Reign of Emperor Napoleon I (1804 - 1815).

Fire - gilt  bronze key. The head of the key features a crowned imperial eagle surrounded by a laurel/oak leaf wreath with an iron crown, the symbol of the Italian regality of Emperor Napoleon I. The coat of arms cartouche features the cypher "N" of Napoleon.

The Chamberlains served as the "gardien de la chambre" at the court of Emperor Napoleon I in the Palais des Tuileries in Paris. There were four Chamberlains in Tuileries in service at the same time. This highly sought-after court office was highly regarded and the payment of the Chamberlains was made directly from the emperor's private coffers.

A very similar specimen at Osenat in Fontainebleau was sold on 9 December 2006 for Euro 84,000,-

Magnificent specimen of the finest quality. The eagle in the center finely chased.

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