A late 19th century French gold chatelaine watch the chatelaine worked in unmarked gold, silver, coloured enamels and small diamonds with a coronet framed by heraldic ermine above the motto 'Potius Mori Quam Foedari' (its origins from the Order of the Ermine, a chivalric order established in Brittany); the watch with white enamel dial suspended on fleur-de-lis chains with a coat-of-arms worked in gold, silver, coloured enamels and small diamonds to the back; the dust cover engraved: 'Feuillebois-Parent, Rue St. Honore 207, Paris'; stamped with chimera import mark (pre-1873) and numbered 141214. Provenance: Family of Meffray de Cesarges, Maubec, France, by descent.
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- Heraldic Decoration - Heraldic decoration on silver, glass, and porcelain refers to the use of coats of arms and other heraldic symbols as decorative motifs on these materials. Coats of arms were traditionally used to identify individuals, families, and institutions, and were often displayed on shields, banners, and other objects.
The heraldic decoration typically takes the form of engraved or etched designs that incorporate coats of arms or other heraldic symbols. Heraldic decoration on silver, glass, and porcelain has a long history, dating back to the medieval period when coats of arms were first used. During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, heraldic decoration on decorative objects became increasingly elaborate and ornate, with finely detailed designs that often incorporated intricate scrollwork, mythological figures, and other decorative motifs.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, heraldic decoration became particularly popular among the aristocracy and upper classes, who used these objects as symbols of their wealth and status.
- Fleur-De-Lis - The fleur-de-lis is a stylized lily or iris flower with
three petals that has been used as a decorative motif for thousands of years. It
often appears in Christian iconography symbolising the Holy Trinity and as an
emblem that reflects the purity of the Virgin Mary. In decorative art and antiques
decoration, the fleur-de-lis is often used as a symbol of elegance, refinement,
and good taste.
The fleur-de-lis has a rich history and in ancient times, it
was associated with royalty, purity, and the divine, and it was used as a
symbol of the French monarchy for many centuries.
It is a common design element in ceramics, silverware, jewellery,
furniture, and other decorative objects, and it can be found in many different
styles and forms.