LATE 18TH CENTURY, MEXICO

Details

A SOUTH AMERICAN SILVER-MOUNTED TORTOISESHELL CASKET
LATE 18TH CENTURY, MEXICO
Intricately mounted overall, the lockplate in the form of a double-headed eagle
7 in. (18 cm.) high; 7 ½ in. (19 cm.) wide; 3 ¾ in. (9.5 cm.) deep

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. The VAT treatment will depend on whether you have registered to bid with an EU or non-EU address: If you register to bid with an address within the EU you will be invoiced under the VAT Margin Scheme. If you register to bid with an address outside of the EU you will be invoiced under standard VAT rules.

Brought to you by

Benedict Winter

BWinter@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2203

Lot Essay

The double-headed eagle to the lockplate undoubtedly suggests Mexico; following the Spanish conquest, the Aztec eagle was supplanted by the double-headed Hapsburg eagle which was the eponymous insignia of the ruling dynasty in Spain. Following Independence in 1821 the country reverted to the single-headed Aztec eagle which is the recognisable symbol of Modern Mexico. A similar Mexican domed casket, with less intricate mounts was sold Christie's, Amsterdam, 2-3 October, 2012, lot 686 (€25,000).

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