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A fine diamond-set gold presentation cigarette case gifted by Sultan Abdulhamid II (r.1876-1909), Istanbul, Turkey, inscribed 1890
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description
- semi precious stones and gold
the interior inscribed: "Offert par le Sultan Abd-Ul-Hamid, Le Mai 1890, Palais d'Yeldiz", the reverse with monogram: PL (Pierre Loti) / JV (Louis Marie-Julien Viaud) and motto: "Mon mal m'enchante"
Provenance
Prince Naguib Abd Allah, Paris.
Condition
Some diamonds replacements, minor hairline scratches to surface, gold not tested, as viewed.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
The inscription on the interior of this fine cigarette case mentions that it was offered by Sultan Abdulhamid in May 1890 at the Yildiz Palace. We can infer from Pierre Loti's (1850-1923) initials and motto on the underside that this case was intended for him. A naval officer based partly in the Middle East, and notably Turkey, Loti fell in love with a beautiful Turkish woman called Aziyadé, who inspired his first novel (published in 1879). Loti achieved fame as an author but was known as much for his personal flamboyance as the brilliance of his writings.