Fig. 79.—Henri-Deux Salt-cellar.

We give, in Figs. 78 and 79, two examples, more to exhibit something of the forms and conceits indulged in than to show the delicacy and precision of the work, which are perfect. Fig. 78 is termed a biberon; it is but seven inches high. “The upper part is white, the ornaments yellow; and the lower part black, with white ornaments. On the shield underneath the spout are the three crescents interlaced.” Fig. 79 is a salt-cellar.

After the decease of Madame Hélène de Hangest, who was the widow of Arthur Gouffier, a gentleman of rank, the manufacture of this peculiar ware was continued at the Château d’Oiron by her son, Claude Gouffier; but the production was still limited, and it is doubtful if any pieces were ever sold. It is therefore of great rarity and of corresponding money-value, only fifty-three specimens of it being known to exist.

The interest in these pieces is such now that many persons may like to know where they are and what they are thought to be worth. I transcribe from Chaffers as follows:

In England there are twenty-six pieces:

DESCRIPTION. Owner. Whence obtained. Cost. Estimated
Value.
1. Large ewer H. Magniac Odiot sale, 1842 £96 £1,500
2. Large ewer Sir Anthony de Rothschild Strawberry Hill, 1842 20 1,200
3. Large ewer Sir Anthony de Rothschild De Monville collection 140 1,200
4. Candlestick Sir Anthony de Rothschild Préaux sale, 1850 208 1,000
5. Hanap Sir Anthony de Rothschild De Bruge sale, 1849 20 500
6. Tazza Sir Anthony de Rothschild Préaux sale, 1850 44 500
7. Cover of a cup Sir Anthony de Rothschild Unknown 150
8. Bouquetière Sir Anthony de Rothschild Bought of a curé at Tours 48 800
9. Candlestick Andrew Fontaine Bought a century ago 1,000
10. Biberon Andrew Fontaine Bought a century ago 800
11. Salt-cellar Andrew Fontaine Bought a century ago 500
12. Biberon Baron Lionel de Rothschild Bought of Madame Delaunay 800
13. Salt-cellar Baron Lionel de Rothschild Strawberry Hill, 1842 21 300
14. Tazza Duke of Hamilton Préaux sale, ’50; Rattier, ’59 280 500
15. Salt-cellar Duke of Hamilton Préaux sale, ’50; Rattier, ’59 80 300
16. Salt-cellar George Field, Esq. ... 300
17. Part of ewer H. T. Hope De Bruge sale, 1849 16 300
18. Small ewer H. T. Hope De Bruge sale, 1849 20 600
19. Small ewer M. T. Smith Bought as Palissy 600
20. Biberon J. Malcolm Pourtalès sale, 1865 1,100 1,100
21. Salt-cellar South Kensington Museum Soltykoff, 1861, to Napier 268 300
22. Tazza and cover South Kensington Museum Soltykoff, 1861, to Napier 450 500
23. Tazza South Kensington Museum Poitiers, 50 s., Delange 180 180
24. Candlestick South Kensington Museum De Norzy sale 640 750
25. Salver South Kensington Museum Espoulart, 1857 180 400
26. Salt-cellar South Kensington Museum Addington collection 300 300

In France there are twenty-six pieces: