A Very Rare American Silver Seal Box (Skippet) With Tassels And Wax Seal, Attributed To Seraphim Masi, Washington D.C., circa 1825-35

the circular box with straight sides and molded rims, the lift-off cover with running star border, the center chased and engraved with the American Eagle with a banner issuing from his beak bearing the phrase "E PLURIBUS UNUM", in his talons the eagle holds an olive branch and group of arrows, all under a sunburst and clouds, the interior fitted with an identical wax impression, the top of the box with suspension cord wrapped with silver thread, the opposite side hung with two silver-thread tassles

some wear to tassles, suspension cord broken at center, silver and wx good
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.

The design and construction of this box are seemingly identical to one - minus cord, tassels, and wax seal - in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms, attributed to Serafim Masi (see Clement Conger et al, Treasures of State, no. 234, p. 366).  This notes that the skippet is "a rarely seen form that is unique to the purpose and mission of the Department of State."  

That skippet and this one are in turn nearly identical to the unmarked silver-gilt example attached to the Convention of the Adjustment of Claims with Mexico, ratified February 8, 1829, and to the silver one accompanying the Convention of Transit Way across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (Mexico), signed in 1851.

Seraphim Masi made four skippets in 1824, another the following year, plus others up to about 1855 including gold ones for Commodore Perry's 1852 trip to China.