anthemion rims, engraved with Armorials, probably those of Empress Marie Louise, later Duchess of Parma (1791-1847), and numbered, comprising 64 dinner plates, 4 small and 2 larger second course dishes,  4 oval serving dishes in sizes; 57 pieces, Martin-Guillaume Biennais, Paris, 1798-1809 (4 also struck with Marie-Joseph Gabriel Genu's mark, Paris, 1798-1809); 17 pieces, Luigi Vernazzi, Parma, circa 1820, and an Austrian liner divider, circa 1890  (75)

Minor dent to one of the large oval serving dishes. Dinner plates generally with signs of effacing under the armorials, two plates a bit whippy in the middle, one dinner plate without maker's mark, Overall condition and marks are good
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Martin-Guillaume Biennais (1764-1843) began his career as a necessaire, toilette and dressing case maker. At first supplied with silver fittings by the working silversmith Marie-Joseph-Gabriel Genu, he subsequently decided to work in precious metals himself. His shop, 'the single violet' [the purple monkey] soon became famous, particularly after Napoleon himself was seduced by the refined quality of Biennais's silver. The firm received many commissions from the young General Bonaparte, hero of the Egypt campai💖gn, and Biennais was afterwards made official goldsmith to the Emperor.

Marie-Louise, Archduchess of Austria, was the daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor Francis II (1768-1835) and Maria Theresa of Naples and Sicily (1772-1807). She married as his second wife Emperor Napoleon I on 11 March 1810; a year later she gave birth to the Roi de Rome, heir to the throne. Following Napoleon's abdication in April 1814, Marie-Louise became the Duchess of Parma, Piacenza and Guastalla, where, popular among her subjects, she lived for the reminder of her life. She melted the magnificent silver toilet set she had received as a wedding present from the town of Paris so that the proceeds could be spent in helping the population after the devastating cholera epidemic of 1836. At her death, the duchy of Parma was restored to the Bourbon-Parma line and Charles Louis of Bourbon-Parma (1799-1883) became Charles II Duke of Parma.
Parma's leading silversmith in the early 19th Century was Luigi Vernazzi (1771-1836), who was appointed 'Il argentiere di Sua Ma𝓡està' as soon as Marie-Louise arrived in Italy🍸 in 1818.