Lot 41
  • 41

A JEWELLED GOLD AND ENAMEL PRESENTATION SNUFFBOX, JOSEF WOLFGANG SCHMIDT, VIENNA, CIRCA 1790 | A jewelled gold and enamel presentation snuffbox, Josef Wolfgang Schmidt, Vienna, circa 1790

Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
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Description

  • 8.9cm., 3 1/2 in. wide
of oval form, the lid applied with an oval paste frame, formerly containing the cipher of Frederick William IV, King of Prussia, on blue translucent enamel over striped engine-turning, within blue, green and gold paillon and opaque white enamel borders, paillon ornamented sides, the base of translucent blue enamel within similar borders, maker's mark, post-1788 Vienna standard mark

Provenance

The handwritten note accompanying this snuff box reads: 'The Box, from which these diamonds were derived, was presented by Fred. Will. the IV King of Prussia to Arthur Moyses W. Hill Lord Sandys, who, as A.D.C. to the Duke of Wellington, was sent by His Grace to be in attendance upon His Majesty during the Prussian Reviewing in 1818 - while the Allied Forces occupied the French Territory under the Treaty of 1815 as an heirloom to the Court - by the express wish of the said Lord Sandys'

Literature

M. H. Blutley, Ombersley Court, Inventories of Heirlooms, 1863, p.1; 'Oval Gold enamelled snuff box of the period of Louis Quartorze, set with fourteen large Brilliants and Monogramm of the late King of Prussia' [sic].

Condition

Cipher now missing, the enamel on the lid restored, especially visible around the paste border, loss to enamel on the left side of the lid, substantial loss to enamel on the upper right panel on the side, large chip to blue enamel on the left of the base
"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."