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For Czar Alexander III: An important German silver, enamel, hardstone, and gilt-bronze presentation casket, Fritz von Miller, Munich, dated 1883
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
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Description
- signed at one end "Fritz von Miller München"
- Silver, enamel, hardstone, gilt-bronze
- height 10 1/4 in. by length 20 1/4 in.
- 26 by 51.4cm
on six bun feet, the body covered with leather tooled with A under the Imperial crown and set with translucent enamel plaques with A's and presentation inscription between hardstone cabochons, the cover formed by an openwork band of high-relief brambles, flowers, and branches, enclosing the Imperial German eagle surrounded by rock crystal and topaz cabochons and enamel plaques
Provenance
Sold Parke-Bernet Galleries, New York, May 1, 1969, lot 195
Condition
one topaz cabochon and a small filigree rosette detached but present, another rosette missing, minor losses to enamel plaques and some wear and staining to leather,
otherwise good, impressive piece and very nice quality work
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
The inscription reads (translated) "The Gift of the German State in the year of our Lord, 1883, on the day of the Coronation, St. Petersburg, the 15th of May." At the time of the 1969 sale, the casket was said to have originally contained a rare Bible.
Fritz von Miller was a professor at the Munich Kunstgewerbeschule as well as head of his own workshop. His pieces, original compositions using medieval motis, regularly won prizes at exhibitions in the late 19th and early 20th century. For examples of his work, see Macht & Pracht: Europas Glanz im 19. Jahrhundert, 2006, pp. 80-82 and 244-45.