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A ROYAL GIFT: A CONTINENTAL GILT-METAL MOUNTED HARDSTONE BONBONNIÈRE SET WITH A MICROMOSAIC PLAQUE

PROBABLY ROME, CIRCA 1800

Details

A ROYAL GIFT: A CONTINENTAL GILT-METAL MOUNTED HARDSTONE BONBONNIÈRE SET WITH A MICROMOSAIC PLAQUE
PROBABLY ROME, CIRCA 1800
A circular green porphyry box, the independent lid set with a micromosaic tondo depicting the ruins of the Temple of Vesta in Rome, reeded gilt-metal mounts
3 5/16 in. (84 mm.) diameter

Provenance

A gift to Alleyne FitzHerbert, 1st Baron St. Helens (1753-1839), from Queen Charlotte (1744-1818).

Literature

Catalogue of Pictures and Curios at Tissington Hall, 1887, by Ida, daughter of Sir William FitzHerbert, 4th Bt., as a 'Round mosaic snuff box given by Queen Charlotte to Lord St. Helens'

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.

Lot Essay

The interior of this box contains an associated parchment note inscribed with the words 'To Lord St Helens with the Queens Compliment.' After his retirement from diplomacy in 1802 Lord St. Helens became a Lord of the Bedchamber to King George III. At Court he was a close friend and advisor to the Queen, King, Prince Regent, and Princess Elizabeth.

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