Antique Georgian Gold Cameo Bracelets Napoleon Bonaparte portraits c1804 (5354)

Antique First Empire Georgian pair bracelets. 18k gold, enamel and agate hardstone cameo miniature portraits of Napoleon and Josephine. Made circa 1804-1809 during the reign of Napoleon I in France.  

Measurements: Oval medallions are 26mm long. Napoleon bracelet is approx 17cm long; Josephine bracelet is approx 15cm long. Bands of bracelets are approximately 22mm wide. Combined weight (including fabric) is 26.8grams. Note, ruler in pictures is in inches. 

The cameos form the magnificent clasps of a pair of classic Georgian First Empire French bracelets. Dating to the lifetime of Napoleon Bonaparte (corresponding with the Georgian era), a pair of carved agate hardstone cameos depicting miniature portraits of Napoleon and Josephine, the Emperor and Empress. Napoleon in profile with laurel leaf, curved nose and sharp chin. Fine detail to hair locks and features. Josephine, in the popular guise of a Classic (ancient Greek/Roman) Empress, also seen in profile with similar fine detail. Each cameo is set in a gold medallion with very fine detail in alternating rings in tiers with a rich blue enamel border.  

The bracelet chains are also 19th century and are typical antique French chains, sewn onto velvet fabric.  At the time, French chains were flat and light. The Napoleon bracelet is slightly longer than the Josephine bracelet in order to allow for the natural tapering of the arm.  Wide tongue in groove clasp.  Comes in a fitted box, which is probably later than the cameos, but dates to the 19th century. 

Beautiful quality workmanship. Highly attractive and wearable. 

Marks: each gold oval clasp is hallmarked with the Rooster, that was used 1798 - 1809. The tongues of the clasp have the slightly later eagle head hallmark. Gold was acid tested to ensure metal purity.

Condition: good especially considering that the cameos are over 200 years old. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions.  

THE STORY: Napoleon and Josephine were huge fans of cameos, not only bringing enormous quantities from Italy to adorn their fabulous jewels, but even starting a cameo carving school in Paris. Much of Napoleon's reign depended on his heroic image. He saw himself as Emperor in the line of the great Roman Emperors and thus he was depicted in paintings such as the famous David depiction of his coronation and of course, in other works of art such as these cameos. Josephine was expected to support and buoy his image and thus to dress the part, including wearing dresses in the style of the ancient empresses and jewelry that depicted them. It's unknown who these fabulous bracelets belonged to, but they do date to the actual Napoleon Bonaparte Empire and may well have been worn by someone close to the Emperor and his court.
It's wonderful that this pair of bracelets has come down to us well over 200 years later and that they have lasted in this great condition and better still, lasted together. 
As wearable today as they were circa 1804, well over 220 years ago.