A jewelled gold and enamel Imperial presentation snuff box, probably Hanau, circa 1891

of cartouche form, the lid applied with the diamond and enamel-set cypher of Emperor Wilhelm II under the Imperial crown on a sablé ground, within a shaped oval diamond-set border, surrounded by six flowerheads each set with a large diamond on a foliate ground chased in relief, the sides and base also chased with scrolling foliage

The interior is engraved with a presentation inscription from their Imperial Majesties Wilhelm II and Empress Augusta Victoria, on the occasion of the visit in July 1891 to Sheriff Augustus Harris, signed by the German Ambassador Count Hatzfeld;
sale, Christie's Geneva,17 November 1981, lot 112

good condition overall. Weight: 166.9 gr. For all sales which take place on or after 1 February 2015, please note that the rate of buyer's premium for each lot (charged as a percentage of the hammer price achieved for that lot) has been revised and shall be calculated at the thresholds set out below: Buyer's premium is 25% of the hammer price up to and including £100,000; Buyer's premium is 20% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £100, 000 up to and including £1,800,000; Buyer's premium is 12% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £1,800,000. As stated above, the revised thresholds are effective as of 1 February 2015.
"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."

In early July 1891, Wilhelm II (1859-1941), Emperor of the Germans and King of Prussia, visited London with his consort Augusta Victoria. This was was the occasion of lavish receptions and entertainements. Sir Augustus Henry Glossop Harris (1852-1896), British actor, impresario, and dramatist, was involved in the organisation as the newly appointed Sheriff and Deputy Lieutenant of the City of London. On 8th July, their Imperial Majesties saw at the Royal Italian Opera, Covent Garden, an evening of acts from four different operas, and on 10 July, a lunch was held at Guildhall.

The presentation inscription reads: ' German Embassy / London July 13th 1891 / Dear Sir, / I have great pleasure in forwarding / to you, by command of His Majesty The Emperor and King, my august Sovereign / the herewith enclosed snuff box with / The Emperor's initials and the Imperial / Crown, with which His Majesty has been / previously pleased to present you as a / remembrance of the Emperor's visit to / the City of London and in acknow-/ledgment of the magnificent / entertainment provided by you / for Their Imperial Majesties / the Emperor and Empress / at the Royal Italian Opera / Mr Sheriff Augustus Harris / believe me, dear Sir, yours very truly / Guildhall / signed 'E. C. Hatzfeld'