Bertrand Andrieu Set of Ten Uniface Cliché Napoleonic Medals, Circa 1810
Item Details
Top Tray: Laureate half-length bust of Napoleon Bonaparte facing right (1769–1821, Firsst Consul of France 1799–1804, Emperor of France 1804–1814); Bust of Josephine de Beauharnais facing right (1763–1814, married to Napoleon 1796–1809; Empress 1804–1810); Laureate head of Napoleon facing left; Return of King Louis XVI to Paris; Siege of the Bastille; Bust of Marie Louise facing right (1791–1847, married to Napoleon 1810–1821, Empress 1810–1814, Duchess of Parma 1815–1847); Napoleon crossing the Alps.
Lower Tray: Laureate head of Napoleon facing left; Conjoined busts of Marie Louise and Napoleon facing left.
Artist/Maker: Bertrand Andrieu (French, 1761–1822); Case by contemporary French bindery.
Description: A complete set of ten uniface cliché medals (bronzed lead or copper shells) housed in a period presentation case designed to resemble a leather-bound folio volume. The case features a spine titled ‘NAPOLEON MEDALS’ and ‘ANDRIEU’ with gilt tooling, and the cover displays the Imperial Arms of France (Eagle with thunderbolt) amidst elaborate gilt borders. Includes a handwritten letter providing biographical details on Bertrand Andrieu.
Historical Significance: Bertrand Andrieu was the primary medalist of the First Empire, responsible for creating the definitive propagandistic images of Napoleon. These ‘cliché’ sets (single-sided impressions, often lead-filled or thin metal shells) were popular presentation gifts for officials and loyalists. They are lighter and more fragile than solid bronze struck medals, making their survival in a complete set notable.
| Item Class | Medal |
| Materials | Lead, Bronze, Tooled and embossed leather, Velvet, Glass, Silk ribbon |
| Period | Early 19th Century |
| Date | circa 1810 or slightly later |
| Origin | France |
| Additional Information | Designed by Bertrand Andrieu (French, 1761–1822). The set is encased in a presentation box that resembles a large book. |
Condition
- case: warping to wood; cracking and loss of gilt; deteriorating leather; abrasions and scratches to leather; worn corners and shelf wear; leather cracked along hinge of lid; inactive insect damage.
- interior and medals: abrasions, stains, discoloration and foxing to velvet; fabric worn at corners and edges; loose threads; frayed silk ribbon; accretions on glass; loose glass; loss of bronze patina; lower tray frame has detached from case.
Dimensions
- measures case.
- Everything But The House does not grade coins or currency. Existing grades offered by third party grading services, if accompanying any particular coins or currency, are presented for informational purposes only and subsequent feedback from future grading authorities may or may not coincide with the information provided. Coins and Currency cannot be shipped internationally.
- Please note: If the winning bidder selects the warehouse transfer option, the item will be available for pickup at the selected warehouse three business days after payment has been finalized.
Item #
ITMGS43340
