An Imperial Presentation jewelled four-colour gold and enamel box

Charles Collins & Söhne, Hanau, 1825-26, Dutch import marks for 1814-31, post-1893 French import marks, the rim with scratched number: 1423



rectangular, the lid inset with the crowned cipher of Nicholas I, Emperor of All the Russias (reigned 1825-55), in rose diamonds on an oval translucent blue enamel plaque, the ground and sides richly chased in multi-coloured golds with flowers and scrolls on sablé grounds, the base with a basket of flowers

Presented by Emperor Nicholas I to the diplomat, Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Henry Willock (1790-1858), who served as British Envoy to Persia from 1815 to 1826 and was chairman of the East India Company from 1844 to 1847.

There is a slight lid closure gap and two lid pins lacking. Otherwise in excellent condition and very crisp. (Please note: The blue enamel is a deeper, more royal blue than it appears in the catalogue photo.)
"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."

A newspaper clipping attached to the interior of the lid reads:

"On the 24th of February, Sir Henry Willock, on taking leave of the Emperor and Empresses, was most graciously received.  His Imperial Majesty the Emperor Nicholas subsequently sent to Sir H. W. a superb Gold Box, inlaid with rich Brilliants, and surmounted with the Imperial Cypher, accompanied by a letter from Count Nesselrode, His Imperial Majesty's Minister for Foreign Affairs, expressing His Imperial Majesty's gratitude and thanks for Sir H. W.'s good offices at the Persian Court in the year 1826, and requesting his acceptance of this token of his Imperial Majesty's consideration."

This document reads as if written in 1827, with the Emperor thanking Sir Henry for past service, which would be logical.  However, as it makes reference to "the Empresses" in plural, it must date from 1826; the Dowager Empress Elizabeth Alexeievna died on the 16th of May that year.

Compare with the Imperial portrait snuff box by the same maker and given by the Emperor to Major-General Sir Frederic Cavendish Ponsonby, its rim scratched: 1967C.  See Sotheby's London, 29 November 2005, lot 32.