French Napoleon Bonaparte hourglass inset w/ 2 rare silver 1805 coin medallions

Type

Without glass and sand

Extremely rare French Napoleonic hourglass with 2 Napoleon coin medallions, 1805This brass hourglass is Inset on either end with the same NAPOLEON EMPEREUR 1805 Napoleon medallion coin, one end showing the obverse of the coin, the other the reverse. This commemorative medallion was minted in honor of the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor of Italy, in Milan, on May 23rd, 1805, a date which appears in Roman numerals on the reverse. The obverse features a bust of Napoleon wearing the Classical laurel wreath of victory, while the reverse depicts the coronation crown. This 1805 Milan coin was minted in both bronze and silver-plated bronze. The coins used in this hourglass are of the silver-plated variety. I am not a numismatist, but I would say that the raised relief bust on Napoleon and the crown on the reverse show very good, crisp detail. The writing is also very distinct.Silver vs. Bronze version: The silver plated version of the coin is evidently much more rare than the pure bronze version, as evidenced by supply from coin dealers. The simple bronze version usually sells for $150-250 each, but I have seen the silver version in the $500-800 range, although a recent search online produced no silver examples, and only a few bronze ones--the coin is that rare.Dimensions : 3 5/8" (92 mm) high, 1 3//4 inch (44 mm) diameterHaving owned the hourglass for many years, I have researched both the coins, as well as their novel incorporation into an hourglasses. I have found a few of the silver-plated coins, usually priced in the mid-hundreds each. I can assure you, however, that the twin coin embedded in hourglass configuration is such an extremely rare item that I could never find another despite much diligent searching online. In other words, for collectors of Napoleona, this listing represents truly an unlikely-to-be-seen-again opportunity to acquire a wonderful artefact. Napoleon was famously fond of medallions, commemorative coins, and medals, regarding them as great motivation for his troops. It is therefore within the realm of possibility, though far from certain, that this hourglass was commissioned by Napoleon himself, possibly for personal use or as a gift or award. Regardless, it is a wonderful piece infused with history, the flowing sands a reminder of what time has in store for all--even for a great Emperor.The Victoria and Albert Museum has a bronze version in their collection, with the following detailed description:Summary Medal Couronnement a Milan, 'Coronation in Milan', Issued by France, 1805 Artist : Bertrand Andrieu Minted by Paris Mint Obverse Description Head laureate right; around, NAPOLEON EMPEREUR .; below in small letters DENON DIR. ANDREIU. F.Reverse Description The crown of Agilulfus, King of Lombardy; around above, NAPOLEON ROI D'ITALIE; in exergue, COURONNE . A . MILAN . / LE . XXIII . MAI . / M.DCCCV . / DENON . DT . * JALEY . FT .Edge Description PlainSignificance "Bonaparte having assumed the title of Emperor of the Gauls, solicitations were sent from all parts of Italy, entreating him to take upon himself and his heirs the Italian diadem. On the 23rd of May, 1805, he was crowned at Milan with the greatest splendour and magnificence. Seated on a superb throne, he had on his right the honours of the empire, on his left, the honours of Italy, before him the honours of Charlemagne; he was invested with the usual insignia of royalty by the Cardinal Archbishop, and ascending the altar, he took the iron crown, and placing it on his head, exclaimed, being part of the ceremony used at the enthronement of the Lombard kings, "Dieu me la donne, gare a qui la touche;" God gives it me, beware those who touch it.Being thus invested, he constituted a new order of knighthood by the name of the Iron Crown, and soon completed the organization of the new kingdom, appointing Prince Eugene Beauharnois the first Viceroy.Agilulfus, whose crown is here represented, was crowned King of the Lombards, at Milan, A. D. 591; in a great degree the reign of Bonaparte assimila...