coffre en cuivre doré et argenté, par Elkington & Co, Birmingham vers 1880

le couvercle à charnière, composé de six tiroirs, avec les emblèmes du Departement des Sciences et des Arts et Elkington



hinged covers and six drawers, with Department of Science and Art/Elkington labels

Cover on very top lacking, pin in one hinge of top cover is a replacement, a few minor dents, but condition is generallyy 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. 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."

Le modèle en argent de ce coffret, attribué à Jacob Mores, Hambourg, vers 1580, est conservé à La Grunes Gewolbe à Dresde. Au XIXe siècle, Elkington et le gouvernement anglais entreprirent une reproduction à l'électrolyse des objets internationalement connus pour des raisons commerciales mais également pour instruire le public.  L'emblème était alors appliquée sur ces electrolyses officiellement approuvées par le Département des Sciences et des Arts ( sous la direction de Henry Cole et qui comprenait également le Musee de South Kensignton, plus tard Victoria & Albert Museum), suite à leur accord avec Elkington le 6 octobre 1853.

A smaller 16th century example of this casket is in the Metropolitan museum New York ref. 17.190.633. The lables on the underside were applied to electrotypes officially approved by the Science and Art Department under agreement with Elkingtons of 6 October 1853. The Department of Science and Art was run by Henry Cole, who had the trust of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's consort. The department of Science and Art included the South Kensington Museum (which later became the Victoria and Albert Museum). Electrotypes which were perfect copies,  were made under license with Elkingtons who owned the patent to the electrotype process, and were part business venture and part educational,  to bring international examples of the greatest items ever made to a wider audience.