MARK OF GEORG ADAM REHFUSS, BERNE, DATED 1820

Details

A SWISS PARCEL-GILT SILVER PERFUME-VASE AND STAND
MARK OF GEORG ADAM REHFUSS, BERNE, DATED 1820
The vase of campana-shape and on square base with oak leaf cast border, engraved with names and dated 1820, the lower body cast with foliage and with applied busts within laurel wreaths, the detachable cover later engraved with an inscription and further laurel branches and pierced with stars, with a cast figure finial, the base applied with gilt military trophies, one engraved 'MDCCCXVI Jun XVIII' and with a gilt cover with cast lion finial, marked on base of vase and base of stand
13 in. (33 cm.) high
66 oz. 16 dwt. (2,078 gr.)
The inscriptions on the base read 'Waterloo'; 'Wellington'; 'Wm. Verner Ex Vienna 1820' and 'Blucher'.

The later inscription on the cover reads 'On the 18th of June 1818 [sic] Commenced the Battle of Waterloo and Finished at Nine in the Eve with the Defeat of the Whole French Army'

Provenance

Anonymous sale; Christie's, Geneva, 29 April 1975, lot 117.

Special notice

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Lot Essay

Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, K.G. (1769-1852), was a native of Ireland who rose to fame during the Napoleonic Wars as a general with an exemplary battle record. He led allied forces to victory against the French at the Battle of Vittoria in 1813, he subsequently was granted a dukedom and served as ambassador to France. At the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, he and Blücher commanded the allied and Prussian armies which defeated Napoleon.

Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, Fürst von Wahlstatt (1742-1819) was a Prussian field marshal who most notably led his army against Napoleon I at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, in alliance with the Duke of Wellington. At Waterloo, Blücher led his own men into battle, but also convinced General August von Gneisenau to send troops to support Wellington. It was Blücher's men who clenched victory in the battle against Napoleon I.

Sir William Verner, 1st Bt., K.C.H. (1782-1871) served in the Napoleonic Wars and was wounded in the head at the Battle of Waterloo. In 1820 he was High Sheriff of Monaghan, of Armagh the following year and Tyrone in 1823. In 1819 he married Harriet, only daughter of Colonel the Hon Edward Wingfield, of Cork Abbey, son of Richard, 3rd Viscount Powerscourt.

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