5571

Containers:

Box SC-07 Box 1, Folder 8, Item SC07.02.3.059

Creator:

Hammer Galleries

Extent:

1 page

Scope and content:

Transcription: [double-headed eagle] Article No. 5571 Magnificent gold snuffbox in oval shape with hinged lid. It is hand-wrought with a chased gold mounting. The lid has an oval gray and white cameo, masterfully carved with a mythological sea scene, signed "W. Eissel", outstanding German master. This is framed with fifty large diamonds and about one hundred small ones. The edge is in carved scroll design including two gargoyles over lapis blue enamel, and set with many diamonds, four of which are about one karat each. The sides are finished in the same treatment, having the crown and monogram of Kaiser Wilhelm in the front and the German imperial eagle in the back, all set in diamonds. The crown also has two rubies. At either end are small round cameos of mermen by the same master. Four kneeling cherubim, placed within shells of blue enamel and diamonds, support the cover. The bottom of the box is engraved with another sea scene showing Neptune and Venus receiving homage, while the background is again of blue enamel. This box was made for the Kaiser of Germany, and was so admired by Nicholai II, the former presented him with it. From the Snuffbox Collection of Nicholai II and his wife Alexandra, in the Alexander Palace, Tsarskoye Selo.

Mrs. John L. Pratt May 11th, 1937.

FROM THE HAMMER COLLECTION – 682 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK

Language:

English

Acquisition information:

Gift of Lillian Thomas Pratt.

Biographical / historical:

American--1

Physical description:

Paper

Physical facet:

Sales records

Other descriptive data:

Hammer Collection, Hammer Galleries, Fifth Avenue

Digitization of the Lillian Thomas Pratt Archives has been made possible by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Related material:

47.20.269

Names:

Hammer Galleries

Places:

New York (N.Y.)

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