A jewelled gold and enamel Tsar Ferdinand I of Bulgaria presentation snuff box, Hanau, mid 19th century and later

of cartouche form, the sides and base engraved with flowers and scrolls amid strapwork, the lid enamelled in translucent scarlet over sunray engine-turning and applied circa 1908 with a miniature of Tsar Ferdinand I of Bulgaria (1861-1948), wearing uniform and orders, within a frame of rose diamonds, his crown and further florets also lavishly set with rose diamonds, the box with rubbed maker's mark, probably that of Charles Colins & Söhne

The interior of the box with presentation inscription from Ferdinand I to Princess Pauline von Metternich (1836-1921)

excellent condition throughout, some pins to lid lacking or loose, one tiny dent with split at left corner.
"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."

Ferdinand I, (nicknamed 'Foxy Ferdie'), was elected Prince Regnant of Bulgaria in 1887 and ascended to the throne in 1908, abdicating in 1918. Born in Vienna, the son of Prince August of Saxe-Coburg and his wife Clémentine d'Orléans, it was considered his destiny to aspire to an independent European throne as so many of his family had achieved. He was chosen, although not the first choice, as ruler by the Bulgarians to prevent Russian occupation of their country and despite a certain private disbelief within his family, his first twenty years in power were generally considered successful. After this, the Balkan and First World Wars changed the face of politics in the area and Ferdinand abdicated in favour of his son Boris in 1918, retiring to the family estates in Coburg.