A Paris Porcelain teacup and saucer thought to have been used by Napoleon Bonaparte around the time of his abdication in 1814 at Chateau de Fontainebleau, early 19th century, presented in a fitted leather case with gilt-tooled N and Las Tasse de...

A Paris Porcelain teacup and saucer thought to have been used by Napoleon Bonaparte around the time of his abdication in 1814 at Chateau de Fontainebleau, early 19th century, presented in a fitted leather case with gilt-tooled N and Las Tasse de l'Empereur 1814, bees and laurel wreaths, accompanied by letters related to the provenance of the cup, the cup 9.1cm high, 10cm diameter, the saucer 15.3cm diameter, the presentation case 17cm x 19.4cm x 15cm Provenance: Pierre Désiré Hauquelin (1821-1907); Thence by decent to the present owner Note: The letters accompanying this lot relate to the provenance of the piece and one of them states: 'My dear friend, will you accept this little historical souvenir in token of my gratefulness for all your goodness to my course during the War (ed. First World War). This cup and saucer was given to me the 4th August 1907 by Monsieur le Canon Pierre Désiré Hauquelin, honorary Canon of Versailles Cathedral, who was born in Vayrs (Vayres sic.) in 1821. He died on the 19th of August 1907, ten days after having given me the card of authenticity which he, being too weak to write himself, dictated to his friend the Canon Capry [...]. Having shown it to me on a few occasions during his illness, he had each time assured me that it was in this cup that Napoleon had taken his breakfast the day of his Abdication at Fontainebleau. It was then taken by his grandfather, (valet and 'chambre du Marquis' of the Tour du Pin I think I am right in recalling) and it did not leave the Hauquelin family. He wanted that these two objects were guarded by some persons capable of appreciating all the souvenirs that they conjure up. I don't think I can find a better guardian than you, I entrust you with them, certifying that the cup and saucer, such as they are, were given to me on August 4th, 1907.
The cup with hairline crack adjacent to the handle, running down from the rim to the left hand side of the lower terminal. The saucer with two hairline cracks from the rim which run to the well, in addition there is a slight dirt-filled crack to the edge of the rim and another hairline which is probably associated with it (below the gilt band border). Wear to the gilt circle at the center of the saucer. Light surface scratches and pitting to both cup and saucer. The box in well-worn antique condition, the gilt-tooling to the letters mostly faded, the outer layer of leather peeling slightly to the front and cover, obstructing the swing arm latches from reaching the loop for closure.