Three Royal and Imperial snuff boxes, circa 1780 - circa 1820

circular, the first, tortoiseshell and gold, Nicholas Sainte-Beuve, St Petersburg, 1793, the lid with a cameo portrait of Grand Duke Alexander Pavlovich (1777-1825), future Tsar Alexander I, signed with initials G.G, maker's mark, town mark, 8.5cm., 3 3/8 in diameter; the second, tortoiseshell, circa 1780, the lid inset with an ivory plaque with the Royal monogram of Louis XVI, King of France in hair, gold frame, 7.5cm., 3in diameter ; the third, a gilt-metal example, circa 1770, the lid with a black and gold verre eglomisé plaque depicting the silhouette of Empress Maria Theresa (1717-1780), and the latin quote 'O digno conjuncta viro tantique per orbem consors imperii', 6.2cm., 2 1/2 in diameter

1. lid damaged, liner and mounts detached. cracks to tortoiseshell, especially to base. the cameo is somewhat later than the box but still made during Alexander I's lifetime. 2. some scratches to tortoiseshell and a few losses to rims and edges of the box 3. some losses to verre eglomise panel
"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."

Nicholas-Pierre Sainte Beuve became master in Paris in July 1781, and he is recorded at various addresses until 1786. In October 1785, he separated from his wife, and he is recorded working in May 1787 in St Petersburg until after 1793. Unusually, he used the same maker’s mark - initials NPS, une tête de boeuf – in both Paris and St Petersburg. Whereas it was common for craftsmen from Germany and Geneva to work in St Petersburg, it was less common from Paris.