A jewelled gold and enamel presentation box, Charles Colins & Söhne, Hanau, circa 1855

of cartouche form, the lid applied with the rose diamond-set cypher of Emperor Alexander II of Russia on a translucent blue engine-turned enamel ground with applied scrollwork, a collet-set rose diamond at each corner, the baluster sides and base engraved with scrolls and applied in relief with swags and a leafy border, maker's mark, CK control mark

Lid and base of different gold colour, but each with maker's mark, the blue enamel to lid restored
"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."

Alexander Nikolayevich was born in 1818 in Moscow to the future Emperor Nicholas I and Alexandra Fyodorovna, former Princess of Prussia. At age 36 and married to Maria Alexandrovna, previously Princess Marie of Hesse, for almost 15 years, he became Emperor Alexander II of Russia, after a difficult youth under his dominant father. In 1856, when Russia suffered a massive defeat in the Crimean War, Emperor Alexander II initiated extensive reforms of the Russian armed forces and was also responsible for the expansion of the railway network and the abolition of serfdom in 1861, hoping to direct Russia closer to its modern European competitors such as England and France. A period of suppression of several separatist movements led to a wave of revolutionary terrorism after 1863 and several attacks. In March 1881, Emperor Alexander II fell victim to an assassination plot and was succeeded by his far more conservative son Alexander III.