Lot 191
191
A LOUIS XIV FINE FRENCH MODEL BRONZE FIELD CANNON BUILT ON THE VALLIÈRE SYSTEM
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more
A LOUIS XIV FINE FRENCH MODEL BRONZE FIELD CANNON BUILT ON THE VALLIÈRE SYSTEM

CIRCA 1710

Details
A LOUIS XIV FINE FRENCH MODEL BRONZE FIELD CANNON BUILT ON THE VALLIÈRE SYSTEM
CIRCA 1710
Constructed to scale and correctly detailed throughout, with tapering multi-stage barrel cast in low relief, including the Royal Arms of France beneath a mask-in-splendour carrying the motto 'NEC- PLURIBUS-IMPAR' over the first reinforce, the arms of the Duc de Maine, GRAND MAITRE DE L'ARTILLERIE together with the motto 'ULTIMA RATIO REGUM' on a scroll on the chase, dolphin handles, and cascable tied with a band of leaves, on its original painted wooden carriage with blackened iron mounts, and iron-shod spoked cambered wheels
The cannon 14 in. (35.5 cm.) long; overall - 24 in. (61 cm.)
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

The duc du Maine was the son of Louis XIV. He purchased the estate of Sceaux in 1690 following the death of the Marquis de Seignelay and his duchesse du Maine, granddaughter of the Grand Condé, held court here in sumptuous style and guests included président Henault, Voltaire and Fontenelle.
At her death in 1753, their possessions passed to the comte d'Eu and were subsequently inherited by the duc de Penthiévre. Following the duc's death in 1793, all his possessions were siezed and for the most part sold by the Revolutionary government.

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