A FRENCH ROYALIST COMMEMORATIVE GOLD-MOUNTED SNUFF-BOX

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.

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.