A jewelled, gold and aventurine Imperial presentation snuff-box, unmarked but probably Mexican, circa 1865

oval, the brown aventurine quartz lid applied with the emerald and diamond-set enamelled crowned cypher of Emperor Maximilian (1832-1867) and his consort Carlota (1840-1927), the base and sides with panels of cherub heads and urns among flowers, flange thumbpiece, apparently unmarked

Christie's Geneva, 17 November 1983, lot 528

good condition overall apart from cypher loose and would need professional care to be fixed again, one emerald missing. would benefit from professional cleaning. Weight: 157.0 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."

Archduke Maximilian (1832-1867) was the younger brother of the Austrian emperor Franz Joseph I (see lot 24). He married his second cousin Carlota of Belgium (1840-1927), and served as governor of the provinces of Lombardy and Venetia between 1857 and 1859. Maximilian entered into a scheme with Napoleon III to rule Mexico after France captured Mexico City in 1861. Maximilian declared himself Emperor of Mexico on 10 April 1864 but many foreign governments refused to recognise him. Helped by the United States, Republican forces led by President Benito Juarez captured and executed Maximilian in 1867. Carlota, who had earlier left for Europe, suffered a nervous breakdown and was declared insane.