LARGE BRIEFCASE OF GENERAL CÉSAR BERTHIER (1765-1819). In red morocco, rectangular in shape, inscribed on the front in gold letters "le général de division César Berthier", framed by a decoration of stylised friezes gilded with small irons, silver lock, preserved with its key, on the reverse appears a coat of arms decorated in the centre with the Napoleonic imperial eagle, stamped and gilded. Lined in green morocco with compartments lined with green silk edged with gold thread, with green leather flap. French work, Empire period, after 1806. Age wear, a few missing parts inside, as is. H.: 48 cm - W.: 35 cm. History: César Berthier (1765-1819) was a French military officer and brother of the famous Marshal Louis-Alexandre Berthier (1753-1815). He was the youngest son of Jean-Baptiste Berthier, an army engineer and geographer who was ennobled under Louis XV. César took part in Napoleon's Italian campaign and was promoted to brigadier general in 1802, then major general in 1806. In August 1807 he landed in Corfu, Greece, with a large military force. He helped establish the French protectorate over the Ionian Islands. Berthier died in an accident on 17 August 1819 while visiting his sister-in-law, the Princess of Wagram, at the Château de Grosbois, near Boissy-Saint-Léger.