Financial torch, Nevers 17th century

A very rare "financial" torch with white glaze and a molded decoration of fleurs-de-lys.
The triangular base with cut sides is topped with two rings and the body of the torch.
The latter, which is quadrilobed in shape, is studded with fleurs-de-lys; it is finished with a double belt that delimits the bobèche.

Beautiful state of preservation; some chips on the edge of the base.

Nevers earthenware factory, Louis XIV period circa 1680-1690.

Dimensions:

Height: 30 cm

Our opinion:

In the 17th century, financial torches were made of silver and exclusively reserved for an elite of the nobility, but the sumptuary edicts would change the situation by prohibiting any production in precious metal.
King Louis XIV himself set an example and sent his precious silver furniture to be melted down to support public finances during the War of the League of Augsburg (1686-1697).
These new laws marked the rise of earthenware factories whose mission was to replace silver tableware.
The first pieces were produced in Nevers and took on the shapes of silverware.
It is very likely that the imprint of our torch was directly cast on a silver copy condemned to melting down.
The quadrilobed shape with a double belt of the shaft of our torch is unique because it is still of medieval inspiration; it is similar to that of the Donjon de Vincennes.
The unusual size and shape, the fleur-de-lys decoration and the rarity of this production lead us to think of a production intended for the king's buildings.
Apart from our torch and a helmet ewer, no other primitive piece decorated with fleurs-de-lys is known to date.