A DRESSING CASE BELONGING TO MAHARANI BAMBA MÜLLER, THE WIFE OF MAHARAJA DULEEP SINGH

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A DRESSING CASE BELONGING TO MAHARANI BAMBA MÜLLER, THE WIFE OF MAHARAJA DULEEP SINGH

PARKINS & GOTTO, LONDON, DATED 1863

Details

A DRESSING CASE BELONGING TO MAHARANI BAMBA MÜLLER, THE WIFE OF MAHARAJA DULEEP SINGH
PARKINS & GOTTO, LONDON, DATED 1863
Of rectangular form, of brass bound burr walnut, containing nine rounded and three rectangular glass containers all with sterling silver tops decorated with floral engraving by Thomas Whitehouse of London dated 1863, one of the rectangular containers with an ivory-handled comb, centre with a tray with three mother-of-pearl handled implements plus a further ivory implement, front section lifting to reveal a compartment underneath, underside of the lid with a removable velvet backed hand-mirror, the front of the box with a sliding velvet-lined tray with jewellery compartments, maker's mark engraved in ivory on the front of this tray, exterior of the lid with circular plaque with ownership inscription inside rectangular cartouche on floral ground, lock with further similar inlaid roundel, with crimson velvet lining
7¼ x 12¼ x 9in. (18.4 x 31.2 x 22.8cm.)

Provenance

Acquired by Edward, later 1st Earl of Iveagh K.P., G.C.V.O, F.R.S. (1847-1927), when he purchased Elveden Hall and its contents following the death of Maharajah Duleep Singh in 1894, and thence by descent to
Arthur, 3rd Earl of Iveagh (1937-1992),
Elveden Hall, Christie's House Sale, 24 May 1984, probably lot 2,825.

Literature

Peter Bance, Sovereign, Squire & Rebel: Maharajah Duleep Singh, London, 2009, no. 63, p.58 and p.179

Exhibited

Maharajah-Sovereign, Squire, Rebel, Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life

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

Andrew Butler-Wheelhouse

abutler-wheelhouse@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2372

Lot Essay

The circular plaque to the top of the box reads, Her Highness , The Maharanee , Duleep Singh

Maharaja Duleep Singh was briefly the ruler of the Sikh kingdom prior to its annexation by the British East India Company. He was subsequently exiled to Britain in 1854. Duleep Singh later met Bamba Müller in Cairo. The couple married on the 7th of June 1864 in Alexandria. The newly married couple subsequently settled at Elveden Hall in Suffolk.

It is highly probable that this dressing case formed part of a wedding gift to the new Maharani, given after their arrival in Britain together.

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