An elegant jardinere or planter beloved of the French bourgeoisie and evoking all the elegance of the Empire Era. It is gloriously ornate, with scrolled double handles, and the Imperial cross torch and quiver motif of Napoleon III, dating this to around 1860
 
This beautiful metal jardinère still has traces of the silver plating,  partially polished away, showing its story, the many years use as a cherished centrepiece. 
 
It has a little removable  metal container which would have been planted to bring seasonal flowers and foliage inside the family's Paris apartment. There are tiny holes in the insert so if using for plants, it should be watered carefully.
 
Inside it is marked 'Déposé' the French sign of quality.
 
It measures 13" wide, 5" to the top of the handles and 4" across.