Hi Lisa,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

The market for high-end French silver- and gilt-bronze accessories has fallen quite a bit since 2005, when the identical pair sold at Christie's.

In the current market, things now are estimated at one-fourth their previous estimates (, with results usually falling in line accordingly. One also needs to take into account the exchange rate at the time (1.75, or £ 100 worth $175), putting the 2005 figures (estimate £20,000-30,000 and price £42,000 equivalent to $35,000-52,500 and price $73,500.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A pair of Late Louis XV Ormolu Chenets
France, circa 1770
Each with flaming athenienne with spirally-fluted body and lion-mask monopodia, on a panelled base with berried guilloche above a vine-trailed frieze mounted with a central Apollo mask within a ribbon-tied frame hung with fruiting garlands, the other end with Neoclassical urn with berried finial and scrolled arms above an acanthus cup, on acanthus-headed acorn feet, lacking iron return arms.
Each 15-3/4 inches high, 16 inches wide, 6 inches deep
CONDITION: This pair of chenets appears to be in very good condition.
PROVENANCE: Unknown
Fair market value: $ 9,000-14,000
Retail value: $19,000

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia