{"product_id":"berlin-ironwork-necklace-antique-napoleon-parure-jewellery-box","title":"Berlin Iron Necklace Ca. 1815-1820 \u0026 Napoleon Parure Jewellery Box","description":"\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eAn exceptionally rare early 19th-century Berlin iron (Fer de Berlin) necklace, beautifully paired with a historically significant antique parure presentation box featuring Emperor Napoleon's monogram.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eA very similar necklace design is thoroughly documented in academic literature, appearing as catalog entry 509 in Anne Forschler-Tarrasch's definitive reference book, European Cast Iron (published by the Birmingham Museum of Art). You can view the museum's officially documented piece in their online collection here:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artsbma.org\/collection\/necklace-with-cross-pendant-2\/?_gl=1190gnbl_upMQ.._gaMTM4MzQ2NDEwMy4xNzg2NzkyMzMx_ga_RSWPMQ9372czE3ODY3OTIyNzgkbzEkZzEkdDE3ODY3OTIzMzAkajgkbDAkaDA._ga_0WD5F6YLM5*czE3ODY3OTIzMzAkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODY3OTIzMzAkajYwJGwwJGgw\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.artsbma.org\/\u003cwbr\u003ecollection\/necklace-with-\u003cwbr\u003ecross-pendant-2\/?_gl=1190gnbl_\u003cwbr\u003eupMQ.._\u003cwbr\u003egaMTM4MzQ2NDEwMy4xNzg2NzkyMzMx\u003cwbr\u003e_ga_\u003cwbr\u003eRSWPMQ9372czE3ODY3OTIyNzgkbzEk\u003cwbr\u003eZzEkdDE3ODY3OTIzMzAkajgkbDAkaD\u003cwbr\u003eA._ga_0WD5F6YLM5*\u003cwbr\u003eczE3ODY3OTIzMzAkbzEkZzAkdDE3OD\u003cwbr\u003eY3OTIzMzAkajYwJGwwJGgw\u003c\/wbr\u003e\u003c\/wbr\u003e\u003c\/wbr\u003e\u003c\/wbr\u003e\u003c\/wbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis piece represents the absolute pinnacle of Prussian iron jewelry, a deeply patriotic and highly fashionable craft that emerged during the Napoleonic Wars when citizens traded their precious gold for iron to fund the war effort.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eDesign \u0026amp; Craftsmanship\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe necklace is an exquisite display of high-contrast, intricately cast blackened iron. According to the documented museum catalog entry for this variant, the architecture of the piece features:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eA delicate mesh chain made of intertwined iron links with a T-bar clasp.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eA central brooch-like medallion flanked by acanthus foliage, designed in a classic Neoclassical idiom.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eA finely cast Sistine cherub mounted within the central medallion, set against a bright polished steel plate and framed by a subtle gold rim.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eA large, striking cross pendant suspended below, rendered in an elaborate Gothic Revival style with scrolling arms.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eA central rosette on the cross, identically set on a polished steel plate with a gold rim, featuring the classic cross, heart, and anchor motif symbolizing faith, hope, and charity.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eHistorical Collector's Note\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eDating precisely to the 1815–1820 period, this piece is attributed as possibly the work of Johann Conrad Geiss, one of the foremost pioneers and masters of Berlin iron jewelry. Pieces of this configuration hold immense historical value; a highly comparable necklace is prominently featured in the c. 1830–1840 oil painting Portrait of an Unknown Woman (Collection Biri Fay, Berlin), which illustrates the immense pride aristocratic women felt in wearing these intricate cast-iron jewels.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasurements \u0026amp; Specifications:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTotal Chain Length: Approximately 52 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTotal Pendant Drop (Medallion \u0026amp;amp; Cross): Approximately 13 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCross Dimensions: Approximately 8 cm long by 6.2 cm wide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNecklace Weight: 39 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition Report:\u003cbr\u003eAntique Berlin iron is famously brittle and prone to rust, making surviving intact pieces highly coveted. This necklace presents beautifully, with the intertwined chain completely connected, the blackened finish well-preserved, and the polished steel plates behind the cherub and rosette remaining bright and reflective.\u0026amp;nbsp;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease note: The slight inward curve at the bottom tip of the cross is a masterful, intentional ergonomic design feature cast into the original mold to allow the large pendant to drape flush against the natural slope of the wearer's chest; it is not a warp or flaw in the iron.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe Napoleon Monogram Parure Box \u0026amp; Historical Paradox\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe necklace is presented in a breathtaking, semi-circular antique parure box. The exterior is bound in rich red morocco leather, finished with intricate gilt-tooled gold borders, and prominently features the iconic gold-stamped monogram of Emperor Napoleon—a letter 'N' situated directly beneath an imperial crown.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eA Note to Collectors: This pairing represents an incredible historical irony. Berlin ironwork was famously born out of Prussian resistance to Napoleon's occupation; citizens literally traded their precious gold for iron to fund the war effort against France. Placing a supreme symbol of Prussian anti-Napoleonic resistance inside a box bearing Napoleon's own imperial crest creates a deeply compelling narrative and a magnificent historical display. (Please note: The original jewels housed in this box have been lost to time; this is a curated collector's marriage).\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eParure Box Dimensions:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003eApproximately 23 cm wide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003e18 cm depth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003e11 cm high at the peak of the dome\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003eParure Box Weight: 443 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003eEra: 1815–1820, Georgian \/ Biedermeier era\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eCondition Report:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe antique parure box shows expected age-related wear to the red morocco leather exterior and interior silk, commensurate with early 19th-century pieces, but remains structurally sound and visually stunning. You will see from the pictures the hooks to secure the box closed are missing. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe neck stand is for display purposes and is not part of the set.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eIf you require any further information about this set. Please do not hesisate to contact us. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Mother's Silverware ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57983088591192,"sku":"006","price":8900.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/9202\/7224\/files\/20260812_143325.jpg?v=1786892187","url":"https:\/\/motherssilverware.com\/fr\/products\/berlin-ironwork-necklace-antique-napoleon-parure-jewellery-box","provider":"Mother's Silverware ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}