3-065-906 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Inkstand presented by the ladies of Chiselhurst to the Prince Imperial, 1874. 'Some of the Prince Imperial's neighbours at Chiselhurst lately subscribed for a birthday gift, which was prepared by Mr. Streeter, of 18, New Bond-street. It is a beehive in the form of an inkstand, inlaid with amethysts and surmounted by the monogram "L. N." in rubies and diamonds, the lid forming the Imperial eagle, handsomely chased, and around the base are the different colours in enamel. On the base is engraved "Presented to the Prince Imperial by the Ladies of Chiselhurst, March 18, 1874".' Louis-Napoléon, Prince Imperial (1856-1879) lived in exile in England with his parents, Napoleon III, Emperor of the French, and Empress Eugénie. The inkstand was a present to celebrate his coming of age, (18th birthday). From "Illustrated London News", 1874.