ANTIQUE 19thC RUSSIAN ROYAL PRESENTATION 14k THREE-COLOUR GOLD SNUFF BOX c.1820

DESCRIPTION

Antique 19th Century Russian Royal presentation three-coloured 14k gold snuff box, of elongated rectangular form with slightly rounded corners, all sides beautifully engraved with engine turned decoration and boarders decorated with laurel leaves, terminating in small white gold flowers, centres applied with floral bouquets in reserves and with a miniature shell thumb piece.

The box engraved on the inside "Presented to David Maurigy by the Grand Duke Alexander Cezarevitsch of Russia. The 31th of May 1839. Probably offered as a token from Alexander II (1818-1881) to celebrate the signing of the Treaty of London (between France, Austria, Great Britain, Prussia, Russia, Netherlands, April 19, 1839). The Treaty of London of 1839, also called the First Treaty of London, the Convention of 1839, and the London Treaty of Separation, was a treaty signed on 19 April 1839 between the European great powers, the United Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Kingdom of Belgium. This treaty was because the Netherlands would not sign the 1831 'Treaty of the XXIV Articles'. This treaty said that Belgium was its own country. It confirmed the independence of the German speaking part of Luxembourg. The most important part of the treaty makes Belgium always be neutral. And those who signed the treaty would protect Belgium if it was attacked. The treaty is said to be a part of the cause of World War I. When the German Empire invaded Belgium in August 1914, the British declared war on 4th of August.

Hallmarked with German marks, tested 14k gold (585 standard), Maker's mark CCs under arrow in lozenge for (Charles Colins & Söhne, Hanau), french import marks (shell 14k / 585). A similar box by the same maker was presented by Alexander I and was sold in Christie's, Russian Art, 3 December 2009.

CONDITION

In Excellent Condition - No Damage.

SIZE

Height: 2.5cm
Width: 8.5 x 3.5cm
Weight: 75g