Historical souvenir of Marshal Oudinot, Duke of Reggio (1767-1847). An astonishing large pipe stove in patinated meerschaum, with a lid in the shape of a dragoon helmet and a silver collar. Height: 21 cm. Length : 24 cm. B.E. First Empire period. Provenance : - Collection of Nicolas Charles OUDINOT, marshal of the Empire, then descent. Sale at Château de Malicorne, 13 June 2017. History: "Among the collections of precious pipes, the most remarkable was undoubtedly that which Marshal Oudinot had assembled in his château at Jeandheurs (Meuse). There were pipes from all times, of all shapes and from all countries, from the humble clay pipe dating from Nicot's importation of tobacco into France to modern pipes, where the art and excellence of the workmanship surpass the material itself. One of the most precious was Sobieski's pipe, which the Marshal had received from the municipal body of Vienna in Austria, in gratitude for his administration as governor of this capital during its occupation by the French army under the First Empire". Simon BLOCQUEL, "La Tabacographie, dédiée aux tobacomanes", 1861, Paris. Biography: Nicolas Charles OUDINOT, Duke of Reggio, Marshal of France, Peer of France (1767-1847). Masséna's chief of staff in Italy (1800), he took part in all the wars of the Empire and his conduct during the 1809 campaign earned him the Marshal's baton. He joined the Restoration as General-in-Chief of the Paris National Guard (October 1815), was Grand Chancellor of the Legion of Honour (1839) and Governor of the Invalides (1842).