Gold and enamel tobacco box, Geneva, circa 1820

Rectangular with rounded ends, decorated in black and white taille d’épargne enamels, the lid centred with initials AF within the motto of the Order of the Garter and below a Royal Ducal coronet, for Prince Adolphus Frederick, 1^st Duke of Cambridge, on a ground of swirling flowers and foliage, the sides similarly decorated with urns of flowers within narrow leafy borders, the base enamelled to imitate engine-turning, within similar flower basket borders, apparently unmarked.

Commissioned by Adolphus Frederick, Duke of Cambridge.

Slight damage to enamel on lid, to left central panel and at the edges ( 2 patches at top and bottom, approximately 1/5 of the lid, starting from left), small patch at left side and small nick on the base rim at the back (towards the right) and one dent on base, another scratch on base. a chip to front right corner and split in gold.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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 refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
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."

The cipher appears to be that of Adolphus Frederick, Duke of Cambridge (1774-1850), youngest son of George III and Queen Charlotte to survive childhood. His elder brother Augustus Frederick (1773-1843), with the same initials, appears to have used an ‘S’ below a princely crown as his cipher after 1801 when he was created Duke of Sussex.

The Most Noble Order of the Garter was founded by King Edward III in 1348.  It is the senior British Order of Knighthood and one of the oldest and most esteemed in the world.  The motto Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense in Old French translates as 'Shame to him, who evil thinks'.  This statement is thought to have originated from an incident at a reception where the Countess of Salisbury's garter broke and fell to the floor.  King Edward is supposed to have picked it up and noticing the onlookers comments and expressions rebuked them with the words, "Dishonoured be he who thinks evil of it."  Membership of the Order of the Garter is limited to the reigning monarch, the Prince of Wales and twenty-four Christian Knights and ladies.  Selected Royal Heads of State are admitted and known as Extra Knights and Ladies of the Garter.  A garter of dark blue velvet is worn by the British Sovereign. Gentlemen wear it on the left leg below the knee and lady members on the left arm above the elbow.

For an example of the Duke of Cambridge’s use of this monogram, see a silver tray, Paul Storr, London, 1812/13, in the Royal Collection, no. 47335.