Tabatière en or et émail, portrait de l'empereur d'Autriche, par Etienne-Lucien Blerzy, Paris 1798-1809

le couvercle orné du portrait de François II, empereur du Saint Empire Germanique (1792-1806, puis sous le titre de François Ier, empereur d'Autriche, 1804-1835), vêtu de son uniforme accompagné de galons, ceint d'une bordure émaillée de bleu ornée de rinceaux, la bâte et le dessous émaillés d'un bleu translucide, poinçon de maître, tête de coq, Paris, 1798-1809, 2 titre (tête d'enfant), bordure numérotée à gauche 690, à droite N 16

Major-General Sir Frederic Cavendish Ponsonby, K.C.B., K.C.H., K.C.M.G. (1783-1837);
thence by descent

The interior of the lid with later, evidently erroneous, inscription: Presented to/ Major General/ The Hon^ble Sir Frederick Ponsonby/ by the Enperor of Russia/ 1825

Sir Frederic was appointed a knight of Maria Theresia by Francis I

 

Overall very good condition; there are losses to outer enamel line border of lid, right side, as visible in catalogue photo; otherwise fine.
"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."