Two Royal German silver-gilt boxes, Georg Drewes, Hanover, circa 1841 date letter H

comprising: a rectangular casket with hinged cover and a large pin cushion-cum-box decorated with flowers and rocaille ornament on matting, with the accollée arms of Ernest Augustus King of Hanover, Duke of Cumberland and Brunswick-Lüneburg (1771-1851) and his Consort Frederica Queen of Hanover, Princess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1778-1851) and engraved E(rnsti) A(ugusti) F(ideikommisSum) (2)

Sale, Hanover, Sotheby's, 11 October 2005, lot 2507.

Later applied armorials Casket - clear marks to rear, some wear and very minor losses to gilding, minor scratches otherwise good condition Pin cushion box - clear marks to rear, replaced hinges and cover does not sit flat, base unstable, some minor dents, bruises and scratches overall good
"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."

These two boxes are a part of the silver-gilt toilette service engraved with the coats-of-arms of Hanover and Mecklenburg was a birthday present from Ernest Augustus King of Hanover, Duke of Cumberland and Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg (1771-1851) to his wife Frederike. George Drewes, the silversmith, was asked to make a proposal first, then manufacture a jug after a design and make the promise to keep to the deadline of 1 March 1841; for 2nd March 1841 was Frederike's birthday. The service had to be executed in 15 lotig and Drewes received some old silver and two times a payment in advance. In the correspondence Drewes had about the service with a certain Mr Gonner, it becomes clear that he is in doubt about the commission. Apparently Ernest Augustus ordered a toilette service resembling another toilet service in the palace. Since there were at the time three different services, one of Ernest Augustus's grandmother, the Duchess of Hessen Darmstadt, one of his mother and one of the Duke Carl, Drewes had to know exactly which one was meant. The toilette service weighing 1028 Loth cost 2056 rf. including the gilding. Shortly after her birthday Frederike died on 29^th June 1841.

The rest of the toilet set is included in lots 2503, 2504, 2505, 2506, 2507, 2508 and 2509 from the sale of works of art from the Royal House of Hanover. Part of the toilette service is now offered for sale, lotnumber 1,2,3, and 4. It is recorded in the archives at Schloss Marienburg under heading of General-Verzeichnis derzum Königlichen Ernst-August Fideikommiss gehörigen Gegenstände

Neu aufgestellt und an Stelle des General-Verzeichnisses von 1855 und dessen Nachträge getreten. Gmünden in Oktober 1905, where each item in the toilet set is mentioned individually and the original cost of the whole is recorded as 5200 rf.