EARLY 19TH CENTURY

Details

NAPOLEONIC INTEREST: A CHINESE EXPORT CARVED TORTOISESHELL BOX
EARLY 19TH CENTURY
The cover, base and sides with traditional scenes of figures in landscapes, the cover depicting a mounted gentleman with attendants crossing a small bridge with trees and pavilions behind, the base with a family in discussion, trees and buildings behind, accompanied by an undated letter of provenance from the antique dealer Arthur Edwards of 61 Wigmore Street, London, from the late Victorian era, written in copper-plate script, informing us that he had bought the snuff box which had belonged to the Emperor Napoleon and had been given to the Emperor by his physician on St. Helena, a Dr. Barry O'Meara, from the doctor's great niece Catharine Ridge of Highlands, Frampfield, Sussex
3¾ in. (9.6 cm.) diameter

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis. This lot will be removed to an off-site warehouse at the close of business on the day of sale - 2 weeks free storage

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

View condition report

Lot Essay

Barry Edward O'Meara (1786-1836) was an Irish surgeon serving in the Royal Navy on board HMS 'Bellerophon' at the time of Napoleon's surrender who attended him on St. Helena and gained notoriety from his accusing Sir Hudson Lowe, the Emperor's custodian, of mistreating Napoleon in his book of 1822, 'Napoleon in Exile, or A Voice from St. Helena'. O'Meara was also a founding member of the Reform Club.

More from Christie's Interiors

View All