LONDON, CIRCA 1830

Details

A REGENCY GOLD-MOUNTED TORTOISESHELL SNUFF-BOX
LONDON, CIRCA 1830
oval gold-lined tortoiseshell box, the cover set with an oval gilt-brass plaque depicting the interior of an inn, applied chased foliate thumbpiece, the interior cover later engraved with 'Mary' with Royal princess’ crown above, a crest within the motto of the Order of the Bath and E P cypher and beneath with the initials E H P and the date 13 May 1849, the flange with further inscription
3 7/8 in. (98 mm.) wide
The inscription on the flange reads ‘Presented by H.R.H. the Princess Mary, Duchess of Gloucester, to General the Honble Sir Edward Paget, G.C.B. as a memento of H.R.H. the Duke of Gloucester.’

Provenance

Presented by Princess Mary, Duchess of Gloucester (1776-1857), fourth daughter of King George III and wife of Prince William Frederick, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh (1776-1834) to General Sir Edward Paget (1775-1849), fourth son of Henry Paget, 1st Earl of Uxbridge (1744-1812).

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

Harriet Bingham

hbingham@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2035

Lot Essay

Paget joined the army as a teenager and by the age of eighteen was a lieutenant colonel. He served in Egypt, Sicily and Sweden before joining the Duke of Wellington's staff in the Spanish Peninsular to fight the French during the Napoleonic wars. He lost his right arm in action but continued to lead troops in Spain until he was captured by the French army in 1812 and held captive for two years. After the Napoleonic wars, Paget was appointed commander-in-chief of the forces in the East Indies, and was posted to India.

More from Silver & Gold Boxes

View All