The Family Collection of the late Countess Mountbatten of Burma

The Family Collection of the late Countess Mountbatten of Burma

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 137. A group of nine objects of vertu, late 18th century and later.

A group of nine objects of vertu, late 18th century and later

Auction Closed

March 24, 08:41 PM GMT

Estimate

600 - 800 GBP

Lot Details

Description

A group of nine objects of vertu, late 18th century and later


comprising a crystal seal with blank matrix; a tubular gold-mounted agate case, second half of the 19th century, apparently unmarked; a Japanese lacquer snuff box of tri-form shape, representing a pagoda by a hilly riverscape; two enamel pill boxes with gilt-metal mounts, English, each painted with a dedication to a friend; two gilt-metal Pitt Club medals, stamped: Non Sibi Sed Patriae Vixit, the reverse stamped: Pitt Club / Sir Edward Knatchbull Bart / In Memory of the Rt Honble Wm Pitt died 23 Jany 1806 Aged 47; a hexagonal gold-mounted poudre d'écaille snuff box, probably French, circa 1785, the lid set with a circular Staffordshire enamel plaque, the interior tortoiseshell-lined, with a handwritten note; and a gold, enamel and lacquer snuff box, circa 1780, damaged and not illustrated

the box 8.3cm. diameter; the tubular case 8.5cm. high


This lot contains endangered species. Sotheby's recommends that buyers check with their own government regarding any importation requirements prior to placing a bid. Please note that Sotheby's will not assist buyers with the shipment of this lot to the US. A buyer's inability to export or import these lots cannot justify a delay in payment or sale cancellation.
The handwritten note, enclosed in the Staffordshire enamel snuff box, reads: 'The Manor House / Little Missenden Amersham Bucks / Gt. Missn. 333. /Oct 16th 1946 / My dear Patricia / I am sending you 2 Boxes with my love & every good wish I can think for you: hope you will like them enough to add to your collection. The round one has a Battersea enamel plaque on the lid – the other a hand painted porcelain centre. Boxes of all kinds make a charming collection – one wonders who owned them in the past – what they were used for – it's all so ''personal.'' I expect you are all very hectic with preparations for 26th. I'm looking forward to seeing you that day so much. / With love / from Aunt Molly'