Silver tray embossed with Napoleonic scene by Georg Roth & Co

This exceptionally detailed tray depicts an important piece of military history.

The central panel depicts Napoleon’s return from exile on the island of Elba, which occurred in March 1815. This was Napoleon’s final action as a military leader, before he was defeated by the British at the Battle of Waterloo and permanently exiled to the remote South Atlantic Island of St Helena. The design is based on Charles de Steuben’s painting ‘Napoleon’s Return from Elba’ (1818): Napoleon is shown in the centre of the tray, bearing a standard. A sense of triumph pervades, as Napoleon confidently leads his troops back into France. The craftsmanship on display is extraordinary, with the scene rendered with impressive verisimilitude that captures many of the intricacies of the original painting.

The scene is surrounded by a circular border, which is embossed with further military imagery including shields, drums, armour, and standards. Foliate motifs provide a pleasing decorative element, as well as linking to the outdoor setting of the central scene. The entire piece is surrounded by a crimped-edge rim.

In the upper left-hand corner of the central panel, four Georg Roth & Co. hallmarks are visible. Originating in the latter half of the 19^th century, Georg Roth & Co. silversmiths were based in Hanau, Germany, and were renowned for excellent pieces of silverware crafted in the French Rococo style.

Rendered with highly impressive detail, this decorative tray would make a fine addition to any collection of silverware or military antiques.

Total weight 1.87kg.