Napoleonic Third Empire interest - An important pair of presentation French ormolu mounted photographic portrait miniatures, circa 1870, of Napoleon III and The Prince Imperial, in presentation cases with tooled gilt coat-of arms to lid, these gifted by Napoleon III to Robert Jope Slade, the Harbour Master of Torquay, following the Royal visit of 1871.
Pair of gilt frames surmounted by crowns and mitres, beaded and moulded edges with tied oak leaves below, 9.5cm x 6cm. Easel supports to the reverse to allow free standing and both contained in green silk and velvet lined presentation cases, each a tooled gilt coat-of-arms to the lid. Each case 13cm x 9.5cm
The first with a black and white photographic image of Napoleon III in Military uniform, wearing medals and wide sash. The second with a black and white photographic image of a young Prince Imperial aged around 14 in Military uniform with medals.
Condition. The frames Extremely Fine, some damage to inner silk lining to box lids.
Provenance: Lot 818 Bellmans Fine Art Auctioneers 21 June 2023 sale.
These gifts from Napoleon III to Robert Jope Slade (1828-1896), the Harbour Master of Torquay and noted in Mr Slade’s obituary, which was announced in the Torquary Directory on 12 August 1896.
DEATH OF MR R. J. SLADE.
FUNEREAL YESTERDAY
Mr R. J. Slade died at his residence, Victoria Parade, on Saturday. By his death a familiar figure is removed from Torquay. In nautical circles he was well known and well respected. For many years he was hon. secretary to the committee of the Torquay Royal Regatta, and only relinquished the post about three years since, He also held the position of harbour master at Torquay for a considerable period, and in that capacity was brought much in contact with Napoleon III and the Prince Regent during their visit in 1871. Before leaving Torquay the Emperor wrote Mr Slade an autograph letter of thanks, and presented to him beautiful miniatures of himself and the Prince handsomely framed in gold. ….
The technique of fixing a photographic image to a ceramic surface was initiated by Ferdinand Joubert, who took out a patent in 1860. This was done to protect the image from the ravages of time; sun fading and moisture. It remained the preserve of the wealthiest of clients until a means of mass production developed in the late 19th Century.
