A magnificent and rare enamelled and diamond-set gold presentation snuff box made for al-Mushir Muhammad al-Sadiq Pasha Bey, with L.T. maker's mark of Louis-François Tronquoy , France for the Ottoman market, dated 1838

of shaped rectangular form, the gold body chiselled and chased with a floral lattice ground bordered by foliate bands, the lid with blue enamel plaque set with diamond-set inscription and flanked by six large cut diamonds set in floral claws

in good condition, minor surface abrasions and areas of patination to extremities and interior, small surface scratch to top right of blue enamel, 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."

Field Marshall H.H. Muhammad al-Sadiq Pasha, Bey and Possessor of the Kingdom of Tunis, was born in Tunis in 1813. This snuff box was comissioned when Al-Sadiq held the title of Bey al-Mahalla or 'heir apparent', before he was installed as Bey of Tunis at the Palace of Bardo in 1859.

During his twenty-three year reign he signed the Treaty of Bardo at Kassar Sai in 1881, establishing a measure of French control over the regency. He also received numerous honours including the Order of the Golden Fleece of Spain, the Annunziata of Italy, the White Eagle of Russia, the Order of SS Maurice and Lazarus of Italy, the Order of Leopold of Austria, the Zachringen Lion of Baden, the Order of the Tower and Sword of Portugal, the Legion of Honour in Brilliance of France, the order of St Charles of Monaco, the title of Redeemer of Greece and the Red Eagle of Prussia, amongst many others. He died at the Palace of Bardo, in October 1882. He is buried at the Turbat al-Bey in Tunis.