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Object Timeline

-0001

1983

  • We acquired this object.

2015

2025

  • You found it!

Imperial Presentation Box with Napoleon III's Cipher Box

This is a Box. It was made by Louis-François Tronquoy and retailed by Alexandre-Gabriel Lemonnier. It is dated ca. 1855 and we acquired it in 1983. Its medium is gold, diamonds. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

Lemonnier was appointed court jewerly to Emperor Napoleon III and EMpress Eugenie shortly after his triumph at the Crystal Palace Exhibition in London in 1851. He provided jewels of the finest quality to the imperial family throughout its reign (until 1870) as well as to the Queen of Spain and other European patrons. (Jewelry, 1989-90)

This object was donated by University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. It is credited Gift from the Thomas W. Evans Collection from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

  • Side Chair (France)
  • carved and joined mahogany-veneered wood, tapestry (seat, back).
  • Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt.
  • 1931-95-15

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 2.3 x 9.1 x 5.4 cm (7/8 x 3 9/16 x 2 1/8 in.)

It has the following markings

Left, inside rim: "LT" [with two-pronged spear in lozenge-shaped mark]; French gold standard mark with classical male head facing right with "3" at right in hexagonal punch; left edge: "675" and "273". Engraved on left rim: "128"

It is inscribed

Engraved on left rim: "G. Lemonnier, joaillier de la couronne place Vendôme 25"

Cite this object as

Imperial Presentation Box with Napoleon III's Cipher Box; Made by Louis-François Tronquoy (French, active 1827 - 1871); Retailed by Alexandre-Gabriel Lemonnier (French, 1808 - 1894); France; gold, diamonds; H x W x D: 2.3 x 9.1 x 5.4 cm (7/8 x 3 9/16 x 2 1/8 in.); Gift from the Thomas W. Evans Collection from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine; 1983-69-11

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18800975/ |title=Imperial Presentation Box with Napoleon III's Cipher Box |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=11 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>