The Appraiser's Archive: Spotlighting French Craftsmanship and History
- Danny Triplett
- Jun 13
- 3 min read
Before diving into today’s edition of The Appraiser’s Archive, we’d like to extend an apology for our absence two Fridays ago. We’re sorry to have been missing from your inbox, but we’re excited to be back today!
In this edition, we spotlight a hand-cut crystal masterpiece, look ahead to an impressive Napoleon auction later this month, and review proposed updates to 2026 estate tax legislation that may impact our industry.
PERSONAL PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT
We valued and sold this stunning masterpiece in South Tampa as part of a very unique estate belonging to one of Tampa Bay’s most well-known architects. This opulent, ball-shaped liqueur cellar was crafted from hand-cut crystal and adorned with a gold-plated metal frame. It features a removable interior that houses eight matching crystal glasses. Combining function and artistry, this "Diamond Port Bar" is designed to serve fine vodka or liqueur.
The maker, Cristal Benito, embodies the art of hand-cutting crystal that was passed down over three generations in Colombes, France. Beginning in 1952, José Benito taught the craft to his son Martin, who then passed the tradition on to his son Franck. Franck is still creating unique pieces for international clientele. Everything from wall sconces and perfume eggs to caviar bars and bathroom accessories are entirely handmade in Benito's workshop just outside Paris, France.
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UNLOCKING VALUE: INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Keeping in line with notable French figures is the topic of today's insights. Later this month, Sotheby’s will auction items related to the life and death of Napoleon Bonaparte from the truly impressive collection of Pierre-Jean Chalençon. Chalençon is a Frenchman and notorious collector of Napoleonic and First Empire pieces.
The collection at Sotheby’s is forty years in the making and thematically sectioned. A collection covering Napoleon's rise from General to Emperor includes coronation-related items, such as a special sword and baton given to Napoleon’s Chief Herald, Michel Duverdier. There is a collection of items that represents Napoleon’s personal life, including a fragment of a coat worn by the General at the Battle of Marengo, and a bit of rope used to lower his casket into the ground – both apparently acquired by a soldier after the Emperor’s death. And, of course, one of his iconic bicorne hats that people typically imagine him and the generals of his day sporting.
The Imperial Gifts collection will include pieces Napoleon commissioned for family and others, such as a diamond ring fashioned as a diplomatic gift. And lastly, a collection representing his downfall and exile, including a cloth used by the Emperor on Saint Helena (where he was exiled) and a fragment of his coffin.
The auction will take place on June 25 in Paris – and Chalençon is hoping one Mr. Elon Musk will scoop up the collection. We’ll have to wait and see!
THE PROFESSIONAL'S CORNER
As we’ve covered many times here, the decreased estate tax exemptions set forth by Trump in 2017 are set to expire at the end of this year. If nothing happens, that exemption will decrease from nearly $14 million to $5 million (or around $7 million in 2026 adjusted for inflation). But something did happen recently – the House passed Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” act which would permanently set the exemption to $15 million (adjusted for inflation annually), among other temporary measures enacted in the President’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
However, repealing estate tax altogether is unlikely to happen in Trump's Big Bill according to a proponent of the idea, Senator John Thune. As a business that works closely with families and professionals who deal with estate tax, Valuables Appraisal Service will be watching further developments closely.
Do you have clients who require IRS-approved, USPAP-compliant appraisals for estate tax purposes?
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