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Lot 5268

A French Napoleonic customs official's shoulder belt plate

11 June 2012, 10:00 PDT
San Francisco

Sold for US$351 inc. premium

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A French Napoleonic customs official's shoulder belt plate

The silvered copper die-struck plate crimped over a copper backing, the front molded with the Imperial eagle below the 'eye of vigilance' and a riband inscribed Douanes Imperiales; reverse retaining one of the attachment bars.
Condition: Retaining generous traces of silvered finish.

Footnotes

Note: The Douanes Imperiales or French customs service was an important part of Napoleon's government and, it is believed, numbered some 35,000-40,000 men by the end of the Empire. Besides their duties in controlling borders, hunting smugglers and other police duties, they also assisted the gendarmes in pursuing deserters and draft evaders, provided escorts for government officials and also occasionally engaging in combat, especially during the invasion of France in 1814-15.

Additional information

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