Lot 160
  • 160

Royal: A German varicolor gold and diamond presentation snuff box from Ludwig II of Bavaria to Empress Elizabeth of Austria (Sisi), Charles Colins Söhne, Hanau, dated 1881

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
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Description

  • marked inside base with maker's mark, monogram CK, 585 and a small crown in circle
  • gold, diamond
  • length 3 1/4 in.
  • 8.3 cm
of cartouche shape, cover mounted with a miniature of King Ludwig II in a border of rose diamonds and surrounded by six large old mine diamonds within chased foliage on matted ground, sides and base engraved with flowers and strapwork, interior with old German inscription dated 1881

Condition

one pin missing from top rim, otherwise good
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

This snuff box was presented by King Ludwig II of Bavaria to his cousin, Empress Elisabeth of Austria.  The two had become close as children, sharing interests in poetry and nature.  This box was a gift from the King on her birthday in 1881.  This was the last time the two were to meet; Ludwig was deposed and died mysteriously in 1886, and the Empress was stabbed by an anarchist in 1898.

The inscription, in Sütterlin (an old German cursive script), translates as:
Worshipped one, honest
loved Sisi
no one on this earth is
more dear to me than you
LUDWIG / 24.December 1881