CIRCA 1814

Details

A FRENCH ROYALIST COMMEMORATIVE GOLD-MOUNTED SNUFF-BOX
CIRCA 1814
rectangular dark tortoiseshell box, opening on the short side, the cover applied with three white enamelled gold fleur-de-lys, surmounted by a matted gold scroll with blue enamelled inscription 'Messe pour Le Roi 3 Juin 1814', below chased and engraved gold branches of a palm tree and an olive tree tied by a ribbon, polished gold mount with plain thumbpiece, in silk and plush lined original red morocco case
3¼ in. (84 mm.) wide (2)

Provenance

By repute presented to Viscount Castlereagh (1769-1822) by King Louis XVIII of France and then by descent.
Christie's, Geneva, 19 November 1997, lot 203.
Christie's, Geneva, 19 May 1998, lot 235.

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

Amelia Anderson

aanderson@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2343

Lot Essay

Robert Stewart Castlereagh, British Foreign Secretary from 1812 to 1822, was one of the most talented diplomats of his time, and his skills facilitated the return of the exiled Bourbons to the French throne after Napoleon's first abdication on 12 April 1814. He left Paris for England on 2 June 1814, and on 4 June 1814 Louis XVIII was officially instated as King of France. The present box, commemorating Louis XVIII's private mass on 3 June, may have been offered shortly afterwards.

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