In the Empire style, of rounded circular form upon a cylindrical foot, the ebony high C scroll handle pinned to a circular rosette junction to the top and a Turkish man mask to the base, the pouring lip formed as a bacchanalian mask with lobed surround. The hinged gently domed lid surmounted by a stylised acorn form finial with rosette terrace. The foot and lid edge with engine turned laurel edge wit beaded rims. Marked to the edge of foot rim, interior of lid, and underneath with maker’s mark D in a heart, guarantee mark with A for Brussels, and the Dutch crowned V tax mark (1814-93), a further script assayers mark (Stuyck 45), and to the right of handle mark for first standard (minimum 934). Height – 29.4 cm / 11.6 inches Weight – 1001 grams / 32.18 oztNotes:Dutalis one of the most prominent Empire period silversmith working in Europe, comparable to French smiths Jean Baptiste Claude Odiot, and Martin-Guillaume Biennais. During the Dutch period in Belgium Joseph Germain Dutalis was regarded in the highest category of silversmith, paying 68 guilders in tax. Additionally, a patent tax as a shop keeper is levied, in 1816 he pays 62 guilders on a turnover of 26,000 guilders, increasing to 30,000 guilders a year from 1820-24, this increased again so that by 1827-29 it was estimated over 50,000 guilders, employing at its height thirty-one between 1819-21. As the supplier to the Royal court he was patronised by: William I (1772 -1843), King of the Netherlands and Grand Duke of Luxembourg from 1815 until his abdication in 1840. William II (1792 –1849) King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and Duke of Limburg from 1840. William III (1817 -1890), King of the Netherlands and Grand Duke of Luxembourg from 1849 Prince Alexander of the Netherlands, Prince of Orange-Nassau (1818 – 848) Prince Frederick of the Netherlands, Prince of Orange-Nassau (1797-1881) Princess Marianne of the Netherlands, Princess of Orange-Nassau (1810 – 1883) And later on silversmith to Leopold I (1790-1865) was the first king of the Belgians, reigning from 21 July 1831 until his death in 1865.