TAHAN (Fournisseur de l'Empereur, à Paris) Second Empire, entre 1855 et 1870-or - Purse
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Current bid
€ 260
Reserve price met
Expert
Selected by Paul Wullems
He accumulated 18 years' experience, worked as junior specialist at Sotheby’s and managed Kunsthandel Jacques Fijnaut.
Estimate € 400 - € 450
 | €260 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €235 | |
 | €215 | |
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This French pocket purse by TAHAN dates from the Second Empire (1855–1870) and features gold inlay.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
The Tahan firm’s name confirms this object’s prestigious origins. Jean-Pierre Tahan (followed by his son, Alphonse Tahan) was one of the most celebrated cabinetmakers and table makers in Paris during the Second Empire, with a very fashionable shop on Rue de la Paix. The firm was notably the official supplier to Empress Eugénie and Napoleon III.
What this tells us about the object:
. Decoration: Gold inlay depicting a geometric border frieze and a central motif featuring a garter-shaped ribbon surrounding a monogrammed coat of arms
• Precise dating: The inscription “Supplier to the Emperor” (Napoleon III) makes it possible to date this case very precisely to the Second Empire, between 1855 and 1870. It was during this period that Alphonse Tahan received this official title and established his workshops and shops on Boulevard des Italiens and later on Rue de la Paix.
• Functionality: The silk-lined interior with gusseted compartments confirms that this is a pocket accessory, a period purse.
• Condition: The label is exceptionally well preserved and clean, and the moiré silk has retained its turquoise color, which is rare for objects from this period (often faded by light or worn from use).
This visible signature, in perfect condition, adds significant historical and monetary value to this collector’s piece.
See all the photos, which are part of the description.
The Tahan firm’s name confirms this object’s prestigious origins. Jean-Pierre Tahan (followed by his son, Alphonse Tahan) was one of the most celebrated cabinetmakers and table makers in Paris during the Second Empire, with a very fashionable shop on Rue de la Paix. The firm was notably the official supplier to Empress Eugénie and Napoleon III.
What this tells us about the object:
. Decoration: Gold inlay depicting a geometric border frieze and a central motif featuring a garter-shaped ribbon surrounding a monogrammed coat of arms
• Precise dating: The inscription “Supplier to the Emperor” (Napoleon III) makes it possible to date this case very precisely to the Second Empire, between 1855 and 1870. It was during this period that Alphonse Tahan received this official title and established his workshops and shops on Boulevard des Italiens and later on Rue de la Paix.
• Functionality: The silk-lined interior with gusseted compartments confirms that this is a pocket accessory, a period purse.
• Condition: The label is exceptionally well preserved and clean, and the moiré silk has retained its turquoise color, which is rare for objects from this period (often faded by light or worn from use).
This visible signature, in perfect condition, adds significant historical and monetary value to this collector’s piece.
See all the photos, which are part of the description.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Colour
Multicolour
Model name
TAHAN (Fournisseur de l'Empereur, à Paris) Second Empire, entre 1855 et 1870-or
Material
Gold
Made in
France
Condition
Good condition, used with some signs of wear
Height
2 cm
Width
7 cm
Depth
7 cm
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