LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 APR The James C. Russo Collection #5003  / 

36114

Gold and Diamond Presentation Snuffbox

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:9,500.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
Gold and Diamond Presentation Snuffbox
<B>French Emperor Napoleon III Gold and Diamond Presentation Snuffbox</B></I><BR><I>Retailed by Froment-Meurice, Paris, circa 1855, maker's mark ?LB</B></I><BR><BR>Rectangular, the hinged cover decorated with scrolls on a matted ground, the center with initial <I>N</B></I> for Napoleon III, Emperor of France (r. 1852-1870) set with rose and old mine-cut diamonds below an Imperial diamond-set crown on an oval royal blue <I>guilloché</B></I> enamel plaque-3 1/2 x 2 1/4, in original red leather fitted case with crowned <I>N</B></I><BR><BR><I>Napoleon III (1808-1873)</B></I><BR><BR>The nephew of his illustrious namesake, Napoleon III came to power through the ballot box when elected president of France after King Louis-Philippe was toppled from the throne by the 1848 Revolution. Constitutionally barred from a second term, he seized power in a coup d'état in 1852 and proclaimed himself Emperor. At home Napoleon III's rule improved the lives of the poor and saw Paris modernized under Baron Hausmann, but his adventurous foreign policy led to a disastrous war with Prussia in 1871, which cost him his crown.<BR><BR>Provenance:<BR>Lady Keith Nancy<BR>Christie's, New York<BR><B>Condition Report:</B> In excellent condition, no chips to the enamel, no diamonds missing and gold in excellent condition with no nicks, dents or scratches.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Requires 3rd Party Shipping (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
Sign In to Bookmark Lot