VIENNA, DATED 1816

Details

AN AUSTRIAN CUT-STEEL-MOUNTED AMBOYNA TRAVELLING NECESSAIRE BOX**
VIENNA, DATED 1816
Of rectangular form, the hinged lid decorated with a central medallion of a lyre crossed with a laurel branch within a foliate surround and similarly decorated spandrels, reversing to a gouache scene of Schonbrunn, with a silver plaque inscribed 'Le 28 Juillet 1816, Premier jour de mon Bonheur', with a removeable blue silk cushion, enclosing a fitted interior with cut-steel divides and fitments for mother-of-pearl and cut-steel sewing utensils, with spools of thread, the case with two further hinged compartments, one opening to create a flat leather-lined lap desk, with mother-of-pearl utensils, a hinged compartment and a spring-activated shelf containing glass and steel wells for ink, steel and blued steel urn-form pen holders and a central clock with musical movement, the etched movement signed 'Judin/Paris', the mother-of-pearl utensils inlaid with a gold shield inscribed 'Ezrh/MC' and with a wax seal with monogram, the sides with serpent-form carrying handles, the clock lacking a back
5½ (14 cm.) high, 14¾ in. (37.5 cm.) wide, 9¾ in. (25 cm.) deep

Provenance

Given to Marie Clementine Franziska Josepha of Austria (1789-1881) upon her marriage to Prince Leopoldo Giovanni Giuseppe Michele of the Two Sicilies (1790-1851).

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.

Lot Essay

This wonderfully fitted work box with jewel-like mounts in cut-steel, is filled with utensils engraved with 'Ezrh. M.C', the initials of Marie Clementine Erzherzögin (Archduchess) of Austria (1798-1881), and was no doubt given to her as a gift upon her marriage to Leopoldo Giovanni Giuseppe Michele di Borbone, Principe della Due Sicile (1790-1851). The interior of the lid holds a gouache depicting Schonbrunn Palace, where the couple were married, and a plaque commemorating the event on July 28, 1816.

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