Early 19th Century French First Empire 950 Silver Entree Dish, Liner & Cover by Odiot of Paris. Of circular form with ribbed twin handles and fluted junctions. The pull off domed cover with removable ribbed loop handle atop a bed of leaves.
The base, liner and cover marked with a French Viscount's coronet and the initials LU or LV in gothic script. There were no French Viscounts with a surname beginning with U, but out of the two created in the 19th century, one was for Louis Vallin (1770 - 1854). During the French Revolution he was conscripted into the army and by 1807 was a Colonel in a regiment of Hussars. In 1809 he fought with distinction at the Battle of Wagram. He further distinguished himself during Napoleon's Russian campaign of 1812. In 1815 he joined with Napoleon's Belgian campaign following his return from exile on the island of Elba, fighting in the Battles of Ligny and Wavre. After the French defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, Vallin's Cavalry flanked the army in its retreat to Paris. He was created Baron Vallin in 1809 and Viscount Vallin in 1822.
Marked to the base, liner and cover for the renowned goldsmiths Odiot of Paris. There are various control marks covering the periods 1798 - 1809, 1809 - 1819 and 1819 - 1838.
In excellent condition with light surface wear commensurate with age. There are a couple of solder spots to the underside of the liner rim. The base with higher wear, especially to the underside of the base and a little clouding and streaking of the silver too (pictures 8 and 13).
Approximate dimensions are 30.5 cm length, 23 cm width and 15.5 cm height.
Approximate weight is 1.633 kilos or 52.5 troy ounces.