A Regency 18 karat gold snuff box with miniature of Emperor Alexander I of Russia, A. J. Strachan, London, 1816

rectangular, chased all over with scrolling foliage on matted ground, the cover mounted under glass with a portrait miniature of the tsar in the uniform of the Preobrazhenskii Life Guards, wearing the Star of the Order of St. Andrew, marked on base and cover

Estate of Josephine Hartford Bryce, sold
Christie's, New York, 27 October 1992, lot 80B

pins holding top panel replaced in metal. otherwise good
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This box is presumably a souvenir of the visit of Tsar Alexander I to London in 1814.  The monarch, accompanied by his sister the Duchess of Oldenburg, put up at the Pulteney Hotel in Piccadilly.  The King of Prussia was also visiting, and the highlight of the trip was the "banquet of the three sovereigns" put on by the Corporation of London, June 18, 1814. "It would be impossible to describe the enthusiastic eagerness of all classes to obtain a sight of the illustrious strangers or the unbounded demonstrations of joy with which they were every where received. The Emperor Alexander, in particular, by his easy familiarity and frank condescension, was extremely popular during his short abode" (from James Mudie's Series of National Medals, 1820).