An early 19^th century French First Empire 950 standard silver entrée dish (légumier), Paris 1798-1809 by Odiot

Of rounded circular form, with ribbed twin handles with fluted junctions. The pull-off centrally raised lid with a detachable ribbed loop handle atop of a stylised leaf calyx. The interior with a removable liner. The base, liner and lid later engraved with initials LV in gothic script below a Viscount’s coronet. Marked to base and interior of the lid Odiot A Paris, and 1798-1809 standard mark, later marked throughout with 1809-19 medium guarantee, as well a 1819-38 standard mark and large guarantee, as well as post-1838 guarantee.

Length – 31 cm / 12.05 inches

Weight – 1621 grams / 52.12 ozt

The initials and coronet are for Vicomte Louis Vallin (1770 – 1854), a French general. He was involved on the Royalist side in the French intervention in Spain. His name is inscribed in the 12th column on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. He was a commander of the Order of Saint Louis and a grand officier of the Legion of Honor.