This Empire-period gilt throne or ceremonial chair, measuring 3ft 11in (1.2m) high and 2ft 3in (76cm) wide, is one of the highlights of an April 7 sale of historic artefacts and memorabilia titled l’Empire à Fontainebleau. This will be held in the French town by resident auction firm Osenat on April 7.
Napoleon had a number of different thrones/chairs of this type made for his many imperial residences, the best known of which are those for the Louvre, the Palace of Fontainebleau, the Senate and the Corps Legislatif. This example is similar, albeit of different dimensions, to the example supplied to the Tuileries Palace. It was formerly in the MH de Young Collection in San Francisco and has an estimate of €60,000-80,000.