04-09-201104-09-2011
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsBoston MA
2542BBoston
April 9, 2011 10:00 AMCalender
601

Fine French Bicolor Gold and Diamond-mounted Snuff Box

Sell one like this
 
Auction: European Furniture & Decorative Arts - 2542BLocation: BostonDate / Time: April 09, 2011 10:00AM

Description:

Fine French Bicolor Gold and Diamond-mounted Snuff Box, c. 1840, the yellow and rose gold rectangular box mounted to lid with a roundel containing a copy of a photograph of either Nasser al-Din Shah Qajar (1831-1896) or his successor, Mozaffar al-Din Shah Qajar (1853-1907),in frame of twenty-six irregular rose-cut prong-set diamonds, on ground of rocaille scrolls and flowerheads, accented with six further rose-cut diamonds in crimped collet mounts, sides and base of box with engine-turning, further scrolls and flowerheads, front of lid with a central lion mask, 3 1/2 x 2 5/8 x 1 1/4 in.

Provenance: A Rhode Island estate. Presented to Richmond Pearson (1852-1923),who was elected U.S. Minister to Persia by President Theodore Roosevelt, and held this post from 1902-07.
Estimate $8,000-12,000

marks rubbed. lacking one pin holding top surface to box, with some minor evidence of this panel having been removed and then reattached at some point. Miniature a little loose in surround. natural flaws to diamonds.
photograph does appear to be on fiber-based photographic paper, but is likely a reprint of a photographic print. collets likely added later.
gold tests as at least 14kt.

Keywords

al-Din Shah Qajar, Mozaffar al-Din Shah, Nasser al-Din Shah, Rhode Island, United States, President, Theodore Roosevelt, Minister