Hi Maria,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
If you bought this from a gallery or dealer, you would have paid a primary (retail) price at the top of the market, and prices for this kind of thing in 2003 were very high (I would not be surprised if you'd paid high four figures or even low five figures for this then); the market has changed considerably and auction (secondary or wholesale) values - the values Mearto uses for evaluation - are now fairly low. Comparable items are selling - in most cases - for less than $1,000. Your bowl is a good example and warrants a comparatively higher value.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

Napoleon I gilt bronze centerpiece bowl
Made in France, circa 1815-1820
Of rectangular section with canted corners, the gilt metal frame cast with laurel wreaths, the long sides with flanking figures, with stylized foliate banding to top and bottom, all on four cast paw feet. Apparently unmarked.
4 1/4 inches high, 9 1/2 inches long, 6 inches deep
CONDITION: appears to be in good condition; value assumes no chips, cracks, breaks or repairs.
PROVENANCE: Acquired atJohn Yaconetti Antiques, Seattle, WA, in 2003
$800-1,200*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, and thank you again for using Mearto.