A rare four-coloured gold portrait miniature presentation snuff box, Hanau, circa 1813, retailed by Gebrüder Kauffman, Cassel

VAT reduced rateRestricted Species

Auction Closed

May 25, 03:15 PM GMT

Estimate

25,000 - 35,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

Property from an important European private collection

A rare four-coloured gold portrait miniature presentation snuff box, Hanau, circa 1813, retailed by Gebrüder Kauffman, Cassel

rectangular with rounded corners, the lid inset with an oval portrait miniature of William I, Elector of Hesse, painted on ivory, the matted ground applied with engraved strapwork reminiscent of chinoiserie designs, the top corners with a chased rampant lion of Hesse, the lower corners with a calmer version of the lion seated on scrolls interconnected with the other corners by bands of chased flowers, the sides and base with alternating relief and square reeded engine-turning within chased floral or husk borders, the corners of the sides chased with flowers, the base centred with a circular martial trophy in four-coloured gold, Hanau flower mark and lion rampant Hesse marks, the rim later inscribed: Gebrüder Kauffmann, Hofjuweliers

9.4cm., 3¾in. wide

This lot contains ivory. Commercial trade in ivory is regulated by multiple governments and international organisations around the world, including through prohibitions, restrictions and licensing and / or registration requirements. Different regulations apply to buyers, depending on their individual circumstances and the relevant auction / sale. Sotheby's therefore recommends that, before taking any action in relation to a potential purchase or handling of an ivory item, buyers obtain advice on the regimes and requirements applicable to them. Sotheby's will also not conduct any applications for buyers for exemption certificates, CITES licenses, registrations or similar that may be required, including the renewal or update of the same, or arrange for import or export permits needed for international shipping. A buyer's inability or delay to obtain necessary documentation, or lawfully arrange the export or import of the lot will not justify sale cancellation or a delay in payment.

Sotheby’s Geneva, 14 November 1985, lot 399

Maria Meyer, Die juedischen Goldschmiede in Kassel, Mitteilungen des Vereins fuer Hessische Landeskunde und Geschichte, Neukirchen, vol. 91