40 - Necklace of the Order of the Holy Spirit belonging to Marshal Oudinot, who was admitted to the Order on September 30, 1820, as part of the 7th class of the reign of Louis XVIII:

Necklace of the Order of the Holy Spirit belonging to Marshal Oudinot, who was admitted to the Order on September 30, 1820, as part of the 7th class of the reign of Louis XVIII: Made of enameled gold, consisting of twenty-nine square-shaped links, cut and openwork, alternating regularly: - 15 adorned with a large fleur-de-lis surrounded by four red-enameled flames in the corners. - 8 “H”s enamelled white, adorned on three sides with a royal crown and, below, with two cornucopias; four red-enamelled flames in the corners. - 6 large coats-of-arms enameled in blue and white, comprising: a plumed armet, a bow, an arrow and its quiver, a mace, a trumpet, a saber, a lance, and a banner; four red-enameled flames in the corners. At the ends, a mounting hook and a ring. The hook is stamped with two ram’s heads. (About thirty fragments of red enamel on the flames, of varying sizes). The Cross of the Holy Spirit is supported, below the central lily, by a double gold chain with fluted links. Cross with four rounded arms, enamelled white, center enamelled green; in the center of the obverse, a white-enamelled dove with a red beak on a green background, symbolizing the Holy Spirit descending to earth; on the reverse, the Archangel Saint Michael slaying the dragon; ram’s head hallmark on the bail. (Three small two-pronged cracks, one of which has a tiny chip on the reverse side). Necklace length 1.605 m, cross diameter 70 mm, total gross weight approximately 550 g. Shaped case with two coiled sections, made of wood covered with red morocco leather gilded with metal inlays, slightly domed top; in the center, large royal arms, and around the edge, a frieze of foliage and small knotted ribbons forming oval cartouches containing, alternately, a royal crown and a fleur-de-lis. The interior of the lid is lined with white silk and features, at the bottom, a green morocco leather label with gold lettering marked: “OUIZILLE & LEMOINE – JEWELERS TO THE KING – QUAI CONTI No. 7.” The interior of the tray is lined with fine beige silk velvet, featuring shaped ridges to hold the necklace in place. The lid is held open by two blue moiré ribbons. The case closes with three brass fasteners (one of which is incomplete). Dimensions: 55.5 x 36.5 cm, thickness approximately 50 mm. (Some wear and minor losses). Restoration period, 1820. Good condition. PROVENANCE: Collection of Marshal Oudinot, which has remained in his direct lineage ever since.