A Spanish silver-gilt two-faced medallion possibly 17th century

decorated with garlands, the corners with putti's heads, the centres with cherubs, containing two miniatures on copper and brass depicting Queen Isabella la Católica and two kings under cut glass, also containing a Spanish letter of a gentleman to his sister dated April 20th, 1838

Some rubbing to the gilding and ornamentation of the frame, the original cut-glass with chips and bruises to the rims and scratching to the surfaces, both miniatures with paint losses, the letter in reasonable, aged condition.
"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."

By report, this medallion was a gift from Marquis George de Cuevas (Santiago de Chili 1885 - Cannes 1961) to the present owner's grandmother in the 1950's. Chilean-American patron and director of his own Grand Ballet in Paris, Cuevas is still a well-known figure in the ballet world. He was married to Margaret Strong, granddaughter of John D. Rockefeller, whose fortune allowed Cuevas to run his own company. In his last production, The Sleeping Beauty, Nureyev made his debut in de West after defecting from the Kirov in 1961.