HANAU OR NEUCHATEL, CIRCA 1880

Details

A GERMAN JEWELLED GOLD ROYAL PRESENTATION SNUFF-BOX
HANAU OR NEUCHATEL, CIRCA 1880
cartouche-shaped box with baluster sides, the cover set with a portrait miniature, on ivory, of Albert I (1828-1902), King of Saxony (1873-1902), within a diamond-set silver frame, flanked by three silver-mounted diamonds on each side, the cover, sides and base boldly chased with scrolls, flowers and foliage

3½ in. (92 mm.) wide

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.

Sale room notice

France currently has restrictions on the sale and commercial movement of all elephant ivory items, including pre-1947 “antique” elephant ivory items. Christie’s is unable to arrange shipments of any elephant ivory lots to France until further guidance is issued by the French authorities. Bidders who intend to ship an ivory lot to France bid at their own risk. A delay or inability to export elephant ivory is not grounds to cancel the purchase of a lot, and buyers remain responsible for all storage charges that accrue in accordance with the Conditions of Sale.

Brought to you by

Dido Penny

dpenny@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2794

Lot Essay

Albert (1828-1902) was a German King of Saxony and a member of the House of Wettin. He was the eldest son of Prince John, who succeeded his brother Frederick Augustus II on the Saxon throne as King John in 1854, and his wife Amalie Auguste of Bavaria.
Before becoming king Albert enjoyed a successful military career, leading Saxon troops in the First Schleswig War, the Austro-Prussian War, and the Franco-Prussian War. As king he took little interest in politics concerning himself mainly with military affairs. He married Caroline, granddaughter of King Gustav IV Adolf of Sweden, in 1853. They had no children and Albert was succeeded by his brother George.

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