A JEWELLED FOUR-COLOUR GOLD IMPERIAL PRESENTATION SNUFFBOX, HANAU, CIRCA 1826 | A jewelled four-colour gold imperial presentation snuffbox, Hanau, circa 1826

rectangular, the lid applied with a portrait miniature on ivory of Pedro I, Emperor of Brazil, signed Simplício Rodrigues de Sáon, in a narrow black enamel and paste frame, surrounded by paste-set flowers and bows on a sablé ground, within chased coloured gold flower and scroll borders, the waisted sides and base with diaper engine-turning within floral borders, the interior of the lid engraved: 'Presented by / the Emperor Dom Pedro / to Lord Arthur Marcus Cecil Hill / Secretary to H.B.M. Special Embassy / to Brazil / May 31st, 1826', maker's mark SC in a vertical lozenge, CK control mark

Overall good condition; the miniature with tiny watermarks at 2 o'clock and at 8 o'clock, light humidity spots under the glass along the edge of the rim, would benefit from professional cleaning
"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."

Lord Arthur Marcus Cecil Hill of Ombersley, who was born at a house in Hanover Square, Mayfair on 10 January 1792, was the third son of Arthur Hill, 2^nd Marquess of Downshire (1753-1801) and his wife, Mary (1764-1836), daughter and coheir of the Hon. Martin Sandys by Mary, daughter and coheir of William Trumbull of Easthampstead Park, Berkshire. In 1802 Lady Downshire was created Baroness Sandys of Ombersley following the death of her husband, she having inherited the estates of her uncle, Edwin Sandys, 2^nd Baron Sandys who died without issue in 1797. When Lady Downshire died on 1 August 1836, the Sandys barony (of the second creation) passed to her second son, Arthur Moyses William Hill as 2^nd Baron Sandys (1792-1860), a bachelor. When he died the title passed to his next brother, Arthur Marcus Cecil Hill who succeeded as 3^rd Baron Sandys. In 1825, Lord Arthur was appointed secretary to a Special Embassy to Lisbon and then to Rio de Janeiro in order to broker a peace treaty between Portugal and Brazil, King John VI of Portugal's son, Pedro having declared himself Emperor of Brazil. That same year Lord Arthur was made a Knight Commander of the Portuguese Military Order of the Tower and Sword.