A silver covered cup presented to Prince Galitzine at the Paris Exhibition, Ebel, Paris, 1889

of slightly waisted form, repoussé with foliate rocaille, the front with the arms of Prince Galitzine within a crowned cartouche, the reverse engraved with presentation inscription: à Leur Président Prince Galitzine/ ses amis de Jury and inscribed with the names of the committee members, including that of Henry Vieilhomme, who engraved the cup as noted on the base, scroll handle, the lid applied with grapes and vine leaves 

Excellent condition, and a very interesting and well-made object.
"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."

Acknowledged as the forefather of Russian sparkling wine production, Prince Lev Sergeyevich Galitzine (or Golitsyn, 1845-1916) was a member of one of the largest and most noble of Russia's princely houses.  Educated in France, he established a winery at his Crimean estate of Novyi Svet, which he purchased in 1878 and began experimenting with French wine-making techniques.  In 1889, his sparkling wine won him a Gold Medal at the Exposition Universelle in Paris, at which he was given the present lot.  At the 1900 Paris exhibition, his sparkling wine, Koronatsionnoe, won the Grand Prix in a surprise upset over the French champagne, Shandon.