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Grand Duke Mikhail Mikhailovich: Two Russian gold-mounted hardstone desk seals, Samuel Arnd, St. Petersburg, circa 1880
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- gold, lapis lazuli, agate, enamel
- height of taller seal 4 in. (10.2 cm)
the taller carved of lapis lazuli, with gold Neo-Gothic mount, the matrix cut with the arms of Russia and the Grand Duchy of Baden; the second with handle enameled in turquoise with a Neo-Rococo mount, the matrix cut with the cypher of Grand Duke Mikhail Nikolaevich, 72 standard
Provenance
Grand Duke Mikhail Mikhailovich (1861-1929) and thence by descent
Sold Christie's London, 8 June 2010, lot 189, illustrated
Sold Christie's London, 8 June 2010, lot 189, illustrated
Condition
overall good condition; some small wear consistent with age and use
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
These desk seals probably belonged to Grand Duke Mikhail Mikhailovich's parents: Princess Cecily of Baden (1839-1891), who took the name Olga Fedorovna on her conversion to Orthodoxy, and Grand Duke Mikhail Nikolaevich (1832-1909).