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A circular, 2nd Empire period, French plaque (measures 11.5cm or 4.1/2 inches diameter), with a profile of a young boy, bearing the words “Napoleon Prince Imperial” at the top and “Ne le 16 Mars 1856” at the bottom (born 16th March, 1856). This would have been the son of Napoleon III. The plaque is made to simulate Bronze in colour , and the reverse is stamped “Bois Durci”, which was a substance made in France and England, usually to simulate ebony. It was patented in France by F.C. Lepage in 1855. It is made from sawdust, blood and water which is heated and die-stamped into plaques, medallions, rosettes etc. This one would have been made to celebrate the young prince Napoleon around 1860. An unusual and decorative piece for both a collector of Bois Durci, and Napoleon memorabilia. Condition is very good - only one fault, a chip on the reverse near the suspension ring, which (the ring) has been re- fixed in position.

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