An unusual Tula steel sewing box, circa 1800

the polished steel box with floral swags and drapery highlighted with inlaid brass, the slip-on cover surmounted by a bird-form spring mechanism to hold thread, raised on three ball feet, the underside with opening for a screw device to fix to a table, marked indistinctly, apparently T.I. Svechnin

the bird's beak slightly bent, the surfaces would benefit from professional cleaning
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.

For a comparable box attributed to the Imperial Arms Manufactory at Tula, see J. Kugel, Trésors des Tzars, Paris, 1998, no. 194, p. 76.