A German Imperial gilt bronze and cloisonné enamel mounted ebony and satin birch coin collector’s cabinet circa 1890, attributed to Ravené & Sussman-Hellborn, Berlin

the door mounted with fine gilt-bronze and cloisonné enamel plaques with elaborate Islamic style decoration and with a central medallion with the German Imperial coat-of-arms, opening to reveal nine sliding shelves and two drawers, one with springed brass compartments, one drawer containing a gold-wax rod, the sides with carrying handles

This exquisite collector's cabinet has its fine enameling in very good condition. The veneered ebony top has lights cracks and is also slightly uneven. The door is closing with difficulty due to expansion of its wood core. One light scratch to back, which can probably be reduced by polishing. The interior is in fine condition having only one drawer with its sides needing re-attachment to bottom. Left hand side with top and bottom ebony veneer banding missing. No key.
"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."

It has been suggested that this fine cabinet was made as an intended gift from the German Emperor Wilhelm II  (1859-1941) to the Turkish Sultan Abdul Hamid II (1842-1918). From the start of his reign Wilhelm II closely befriended the Sultan and visited him in Istanbul on three occasions in 1889, 1898 and 1917. The presence of the Imperial coat-of-arms and the rather abundant Oriental style seems to support this theory.

Louis Sussmann-Hellborn (1828-1908) trained as a sculptor at the Berlin Academy of Arts. He travelled to study in France, Belgium, England and lived In Rome from 1852 to 1856. The first major exhibition of his works was organized in Berlin in 1856. His villa at Tiergarten was one of the most representative buildings of the district and made him famous amongst the Berlin intellectuals. He was one of the founders of the Royal Museum of Decorative Arts and was also involved in building a sculpture collection at the Royal Museum in Berlin. From 1882 to 1887, Sussmann-Hellborn was head of the Royal Porcelain Manufactory (KPM) in Berlin. In 1868 together with Louis Ravenné Sussmann, he founded the Bronze- und Emaillewarenfabrik Ravené & Sußmann in the Wallstraße 7 in Berlin; a company which specialised in the production of high quality luxury objects - usually in a more restrained Orientalist style - until their closure around 1890.