PROBABLY HANAU, CIRCA 1840, THE FLANGE STAMPED 282

Details

A GERMAN PASTE-SET GOLD PRESENTATION SNUFF-BOX SET WITH A PORTRAIT MINIATURE
PROBABLY HANAU, CIRCA 1840, THE FLANGE STAMPED 282
rectangular boldly chased box with wavy sides, the cover inset with a portrait miniature of a nobleman called William of Prussia (1797-1888), King of Prussia 1861-1888 and Emperor of Germany 1871-1888, within a paste surround with four silver-mounted paste stones set at each corner, surrounded by cast gold trailing foliage and flowerheads on a matted ground, the wavy sides and base engraved with strapwork, scrolls and flowers, with incorporated scrolling thumbpiece
3¼ in. (82 mm.) wide

Provenance

Christie's, Rome, 1 December 2004, lot 298.

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Brought to you by

Tom Johans

tjohans@christies.com +44 (0)20 7752 3026

Lot Essay

Under the leadership of William and his Chancellor Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898) Prussia achieved the unification of Germany and the establishment of the German Empire. In his memoirs, Bismarck describes William as an old-fashioned, courteous, infallibly polite gentleman and a genuine Prussian officer, whose good common sense was occasionally undermined by 'female influences'.

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