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Antique French Guardian Angel Napoleon III Meerschaum Relic, c. 1852 - 1870

This intricate and beautifully hand sculpted Meerschaum plaque of a Guardian Angel is an exquisite example of art at its finest.

Every detail is perfect. The attention to detail proves this to be made by a truly gifted and talented sculptor.

Each arm of the Angel is resting on the back of a child.  The fingers and toes and every detail are so painstakingly crafted they look real.


It is a magnificent piece of art and has been framed in a lovely, dark painted wood, oval Napoleon III frame with dome shaped glass. The frame is very indicative of this period.

The back was covered in the type of material one would think of as a book binding/cover leather paper. It is a bit shabby, but as it is on the back, does not take away from the plaque.

It is in excellent condition, especially when considering it is over 100 years old.

A few very tiny chips of clay have come loose from the very top inner edge of the sculpture, where it is hidden by the frame.

They are not noticeable, nor do they detract in any way from this gorgeous piece of art.


Colors are as shown in pictures.

Wear and discolouration are commensurate with age.

I do not clean antiques as most collectors prefer an "as is" state.


Approximate measurements:

5 1/2" Tall x 5" Wide x 3/8"

Thickness from back to front of globed or domed glass: 1 1/2"

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The word Meerschaum means sea scum (from Old German) or sea foam. It is a porous mineral, also known as sepiolite, which can float on water and it was apparently used by Tartars

as a soap.  The mineral is found in several areas on the planet but if you search for 'meerschaum mines' on Google Earth you should find a fascinating image of shafts in Turkey, which looks like a

piece of moonscape amongst fields.

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From the black sea.

d'ange gardien

écume de mer

Other Resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon_III

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meerschaum

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I apologize for the reflections in the pictures.

(Stand not included.)

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