A Russian silver-gilt, cloisonné and plique-à-jour enamel cigarette case, St. Petersburg, 1899-1904

rounded rectangular, both covers enameled in brilliantly colored plique-à-jour with a non-heraldic double-headed eagle (with a single crown, the shield on the breast with scrolling ornament), within scrolling floriate polychrome ornament in cloisonné on a stippled gilt ground, all within a border of white beads, the interior with a Cyrillic inscription "In Memory of the Completion of the Construction of the Asserin Factory," struck with obscured maker's marks on flange, 88 standard, contained in contemporary leather-bound case of London antiquarian Ivor Mazure

The corporation "Asserin" was formed by a group of St. Petersburg bankers who built a factory producing Portland Cement in the parish of Aseri, in present-day Estonia. See Ustav akstsionernago obshchestva tsementnago zavoda "Asserin": utverzhden 12 noiabria 1899 g., St. Petersburg, 1900.

good condition
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.