239 - Alexis & Lucien FALIZE in PARIS

Alexis & Lucien FALIZE in PARIS Reversible hinged bracelet composed of twelve elements in gold and polychrome cloisonné enamel, featuring a motif on the front of six chimeras alternating with foliage, and on the reverse, Gothic initials "G.H.O.N.L.M," alternating with cartouches adorned with scrolls bearing the following dates: “May 2, 1870,” “May 3, 1872,” “May 6, 1873,” and “April 9, 1875,” “July 3, 1877,” and the initials “TD.” Neo-Gothic style Circa 1878 Length: 17.8 gr, Width: 2.4 cm, Gross Weight: 68.8 gr In its original leather case marked “H.T.” from the house of FALIZE Aîné et fils, 55 Avenue de l’Opéra, Paris. (case shows signs of wear) Provenance: This magnificent bracelet was likely commissioned in 1877 by the great-grandfather of the current owners from the Falize company as a gift for his wife to celebrate the births of the couple’s five children. Each link bears the initial of a child’s first name, accompanied by a scroll inscribed with the child’s date of birth. Having remained in this family for five generations, this is its first appearance on the art market. Bibliography: Katherine Purcell, *Falize: A Dynasty of Jewelers*, London, Thames & Hudson, 1999. Pages 71 and 258 feature bracelets of a similar shape but with different designs.