An Austrian silver-gilt, enamel, and rock crystal casket, maker's mark KB probably for Karl Böhm, Vienna, circa 1900

on crowned winged-eagle feet, the engraved rock crystal panels surrounded by varicolor strapwork

minor losses to white enamel on faces, otherwise good condition, recently cleaned
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.

The maker KB has been with Karl Böhm, who is recorded on Friedrich-Kaisergasse in 1908 (Waltraud I, p. 116).  The mark appears on a group of high quality wares, many of them mounted, such as the charger in this sale and a ewer and basin from the collection assembled by the American wife of an English nobleman in the last decade of the 19th century (Christie's, London, 25 November 2008, lot 86).  The "facing griffons" and "draped mask" mounts appears on all three works, while the 2008 pieces also display the "crowned mask" mount and the cluster of fruit centered by an open pomegranate.