A jewelled gold and enamel royal presentation box

Alexandre-Raoul Morel, French post-1837 3e garantie, Paris, 1837-1850, the rim numbered: 721



rectangular with waisted sides, the lid applied with a paste-edged blue enamel panel applied in rose diamonds with the royal cipher VR of Queen Victoria, the four corners applied with collet-set pastes within blue-enamelled ribbons, the ground, sides and base very finely engraved with elaborate foliate scrolls and strapwork around engine-turning, the base corners incorporating fleurs-de-lis

The lid has been off; some lid pins lacking. One enamel corner mount (upper left) with restoration to ribbon end. The sides and base were previously enamelled in blue.
"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."

Said to have been presented by the Queen to the Paris Chief of Police on her first official visit to the city for the International Exposition in August 1855. The Illustrated London News describes the elaborate preparations made by the city to receive the Queen and how the crowds who had waited to see her were disappointed as it was already dark by the time the Imperial train arrived. It had been considered that the Gare du Nord was not smart enough for a queen so a new portion of line was built to connect it with the recently constructed Gare de l'Est where she was officially greeted.

Alexandre-Raoul Morel, son of the gold box-maker, Gabriel-Raoul, was born in Paris in 1801. He entered two marks with his father's 'oreille' différent from 7 rue Neuve-des Bons-Enfants, the first in 1833 for 'la tabatière' and the second in 1849, for 'la bijouterie'. This last was cancelled the following year in 1850.