A SPANISH LAPIS- AND CORAL-MOUNTED SILVER-GILT ROYAL PRESENTATION INKSTAND

CIRCA 1862

细节

A SPANISH LAPIS- AND CORAL-MOUNTED SILVER-GILT ROYAL PRESENTATION INKSTAND
CIRCA 1862
Rectangular, on four lapis bead feet, the sides applied with vine tendrils and coral beads, the waisted center with lapis platform surmounted by urn-form pounce and ink pots flanking a royal crown over a shield with two heraldic supporters, the shield applied with a date 13 MAYO 1862 and blue enamelled monogram FB, apparently unmarked except for later French control marks
15½in. (39.3cm.) long

拍品专文

In Spain, it was customary during the months prior to the birth of a Royal child, to issue a Real Decreto (Royal Decree) to establish the ceremony to present the newborn prince or princess to the king. On May 13, 1862, there was signed a "Real Decreto relativo a la ceremonia de la presentación del infante o infanta de España que de a luz su Magestad la Reina (Maria Luisa Fernanda de Borbón) . .

It seems likely that this inkstand was used to sign this decree. The initials F and B stand for Fernanda and Borbón respectively. On May 17, the queen gave birth to a princess who was christened Doña Maria de la Paz.