A stool of carved and gilded wood (probably beech), in a design of two pairs of crossed swords, the seat upholstery covered in pale blue satin, the loose squab cushion decorated with embroidery of palmettes, the short sides of the stool hung with a complex fringe of tassels of silk thread worked over wooden cores. The upholstery was almost certainly re-done in the period of the Second Empire (1855-70) This stool was designed in 1805 by the architect Bernard Poyet as part of a set used by the French emperor Napoleon I for his reception by the corps législatif after his coronation. The set, which included chairs, couches and a throne, was made by the firm of Jacob-Desmalter, who were to become large-scale suppliers to the new imperial court. They stamped their mark on the underside of the stools. The crossed sword motif was particularly appropriate for the new power, which had been founded on military success. The bills for the stools list them as ‘à sabres antiques’. Mameluke sabres of this type were very fashionable in the Empire period. The stools are also marked underneath with inventory marks for the royal Château de Saint Cloud, just outside Paris, where they were presumably moved during the 19th century. The elegant silk upholstery was at one time thought to be original but is now believed to have been added during the reign of Napoleon III (1852–1871). Of carved and gilded wood, the frame designed as four crossed swords in scabbards, the seat and its loose cushion upholstered in silk satin with embroidery and complex fringing Stool 1805 This stool was part of a set made for the reception of Napoleon by the corps législatif after his coronation as emperor. The set also included chairs, couches and a throne. The crossed-sword motif was particularly appropriate for the new power, which had been founded on military success. Curved sabres of this type were adopted by cavalry officers, inspired by the scimitars of the Mamluk warriors they fought in Egypt. France (Paris) Made in the workshop of Jacob-Desmalter Designed by Bernard Poyet Gilded wood, probably beech; later silk satin upholstery Given by Blairman & Sons [09/12/2015] STOOL W.3-1956 This stool bears a series of inventory marks for the Château de Saint-Cloud, and the maker's stamp 'JACOB D.R. MESLEE'. It is one of seven delivered to the Corps Legislatif in Paris in 1805. They were described as 'à sabres antiques' and cost 80 francs each. Given by H. Blairman & Sons [1987-2006]