Silver
France/Paris, 1830/35
Maison Odiot (est. 1690) – important French silverware manufacturer
Embossed with maker’s marks
Object of historical significance
Wedding present for Princess Therese of Nassau in 1837
Dimensions: 34 x 42 cm
Weight: approx. 1800 grams
Good condition

The tray standing on four elegantly modelled feet has a silver plate engraved with floral ornaments and showing a crowned crest in the middle. The latter is the coast of arms of the Dukes of Nassau. The object’s charm derives from its noble and elaborate design, which is considered typical for the renowned French silverware manufacturer Odiot. Charles Nicolas Odiot, who was supplier to the French royal house under Louis Philippe I, advocated the baroque style in contrast to his father who manufactured silver for Napoleon Bonaparte, which was characterised by classical lines and forms. Thus the changing taste of the period is reflected in this high-quality silver tray. The provenance of the object is also particular. According to the engraved dedications on the back, the tray was firstly a wedding present by the community of Biebrich to Princess Therese of Nassau for her wedding to Duke Peter of Oldenburg on April, 23rd 1837. Later, the princess gave away the tray to a certain Dr. A. Steidl in Prague shortly before her death in 1871. The latter then bestowed it upon his son on the occasion of his marriage in 1904. The incredible craftsmanship, which this tray exhibits as well as the extraordinary provenance make this object a rare and significant collector’s item.



The tray is in good condition according to its age. It shows the usual signs of age and use. The silver is a little oxidised, mainly inside and around the flutes and there are some surface scratches. On the back the tray is embossed with two illegible maker’s marks and “Odiot. A Paris.“ as well as engraved with “Odiot, Orfèvre du Roi, à Paris“. Three of the rims are engraved. The first reads “Hochzeitsgeschenk der Gemeinde Biebrich an Therese Prinzessin von Nassau 23. April 1837“ („Wedding gift from the community of Biebrich to Princess Therese of Nassau 23 April 1837”), the second “Hochzeitsgeschenk für Dr. A. Steidl von Therese Prinzessin von Oldenburg mit Constance Meisner Prag 7. Mai 1871“ („Wedding gift for Dr. A. Steidl from Princess Therese of Oldenburg with Constance Meisner Prague 7 May 1871”) and the third in Czech “Svatebni dar M.U. Dr. Ant. Steidlovi pri snatku s Marie rodem Sichrovskou od rodicu Dr. Ant. a Konstanci Steidlovych v Praze 6 unora 1904” (“Wedding gift [for] M.U. Dr. Ant. Steidl at the wedding with Marie by birth Sichrovský from the parents Dr. Ant. and Constance Steidl Prague 6 February 1904”). The tray measures 34 x 42 cm and weighs approximately 1800 grams.

Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.