"The Emperor Napoleon I. An astonishing and rare pair of braces that once belonged to the Emperor. In ivory moire covered with fine hemstitched embroidery, representing eight medallions: three with an "N", three with an eagle and two with bees. The whole finely framed with an interlace of oak and laurel leaves. Lined, with tabs at one end and a wide cotton-covered metal elastic at the other, with buttonhole fasteners lined in beige leather. Good condition, traces of wear, perfect embroidery. Length: 73.5 cm Width: 5.2 cm. NB. Rare, first pair of braces to my knowledge, among the many personal effects from the wardrobe of Emperor Napoleon I appraised during my career (bicorns, shirts, pants, waistcoat, socks, stockings, gloves, etc.). Provenance : - Charles Tristan, Marquis de Montholon (1783-1853) - Charles-Jean Tristan, Marquis de Montholon (1843-1899) - Pauline Fé d'Ostiani, his wife, then direct descendants Biographies : Charles-Tristan de MONTHOLON-SEMONVILLE, (1783-1853), Marquis de Montholon, Count of Lee, then Count of the French Empire. He entered the army at the age of sixteen, as a volunteer, following the staff of his brother-in-law Joubert. Appointed assistant engineer by General-in-Chief Championnet. Appointed lieutenant, attached as aide-de-camp to General Augereau in 1800. Captain in 1801. Squadron leader in 1807. Adjutant-commander in 1809. Chamberlain to the Emperor and Count of the Empire (1809). Appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to His Majesty in 1812. A. I. and R. the Grand Duke of Würzburg (Confederation of the Rhine), a position he held until his release. Recalled to active service as colonel chief of staff of the 2nd division of the 3rd cavalry corps in 1813. Marshal of camp in 1814, unemployed, then recalled to active service in 1815, became aide-de-camp to Napoleon who appointed him major general on 15 June 1815 (the eve of the battle of Ligny); but this latter rank was not confirmed. General Montholon had fought eleven campaigns during which he had distinguished himself brilliantly, particularly in Italy, at Austerlitz, Jena, Friedland, Regensburg and Wagram. He was wounded five times. He left for St Helena in 1815 with Generals Bertrand, Gourgaud and M. Marchand, and did not return to France until 1821. Arrested in 1840 in Boulogne with Prince Louis-Napoléon, he was sentenced by the Court of Peers to twenty years' imprisonment and consequently struck off the army rolls. Imprisoned in the citadel of Ham, he was pardoned after the Prince's escape and reinstated in the army in 1846; retired for long service in 1850; released from retirement and placed in the reserve section on 2 March 1853.