PRECIOUS CHILD'S NIPPLE HOLDER in mother-of-pearl... Lot 135

PRECIOUS CHILD'S NIPPLE HOLDER in mother-of-pearl mounted in gold (750 thousandths). Of tubular form, the point intended to receive the metal feather, the stopper closing with screw. Good condition. 18th century. L_8,3 cm Gross weight : 6,37 g. Presented on a blue silk velvet background in a burr wood box under glass (one missing). W_14 cm D_7,5 cm Attached is a manuscript paper dated February 1897 and signed by I. Martineau: "This penholder is the one used by the queen Marie-Antoinette when she was a child. It is offered to Millie Moore by Mademoiselle Martineau as a high testimony of satisfaction for the progress of her dear little pupil". Provenance: - This penholder would have been used by Marie-Antoinette (1755-1793) during her childhood, as Archduchess of Austria. - According to the catalogue of the exhibition "Marie Antoinette et sa cour" of 1927 at the Library of Versailles, where this relic was presented under n°398, this penholder would have been given by the Queen of France, wife of King Louis XVI, to a doctor of the Court of Versailles. - Then to Mademoiselle Martineau, a teacher at the end of the 19th century. - Then in February 1897 to Millie Moore "as a high token of appreciation for (her) dear little pupil". - Then from the Millie-Berthe Moore collection, married to Maurice Cauderay. - Then by descent. Exhibition: "Marie Antoinette et sa cour", May-June 1927, Versailles Library, cat. no. 398: "Porte-plume dont se servent l'Archiduchesse Marie-Antoinette pendant son enfance. From a Court doctor. To Mme. M(aurice) Cauderay". The original exhibition catalogue will be attached to this lot.