A PAIR OF ITALIAN CASED REVOLVERS, LATE 19TH CENTURY, MADE IN 1883 FOR PRINCE THOMAS OF SAVOY, DUKE OF GENOA |

with central percussion, damascened in gold and silver, adorned with sea deities, the grip inscribed Direzione Armi Portatili Venezia 1883 with the Savoy knot and motto FERT, the ebony stick with the cypher TS topped with a princely crown on one side and with the Royal Italian navy coat of arms on the other one; complete with their silver-mounted belts and holsters, in a silver-mounted rosewood casket adorned with the Prince's cypher, upholstered with blue velvet (the handles missing)

Prince Thomas of Savoy, Duke of Genoa (1854-1931)
European private collection

The photograph is quite accurate. The rosewood casket: the veneer with some scratches and cracks, especially on the top; the handles missing; the silver mounts tarnished; inside, the blue velvet dusty and worn. The leather belts and holsters with several cracks, tears and tiny losses. The screwdriver is the only piece missing from the casket. The revolvers in good overall condition. The silver damascened decoration and the silver mounts with oxidation and tarnishment. The gilt damascened decoration refined and well preserved. Both historical piece and wonderful example of Italian gunsmith craftsmanship.
"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."

Thomas of Savoy (1854-1931), Duke of Genoa, was King Victor-Emmanuel II's nephew and admiral of the Royal Italian navy [Regia Marina]. During World War I, in 1915, Victor-Emmanuel III named him Lieutenant-General of the Kingdom. Without any real political weight, he died in 1931 and was bueried in Superga basilica near Torino. In 1883, he had married Princess Elisabeth of Bavaria in Nymphenbourg castle near Munchen, and together they had six children. Prince Thomas was probably given these revolvers - dated 1883 - for his wedding.