A jewelled gold and enamel presentation box, probably Hanau, circa 1880

of cartouche form, the lid applied with a rose diamond-set cypher of Leopold II of Belgium (1835-1909) on a wavy engine-turned blue enamel ground under leafy cagework, flanked by a rose-diamond crown in each corner and a star on each side, the thumbpiece with crossed branch motifs, the bombé baluster sides and base engraved with scrolls and swags, unmarked

Good condition apart from minor knocks to sides and hinge loose at one end.
"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."

Following the London Conference of 1830, where representatives of the five major European powers Austria, Britain, France, Prussia and Russia had agreed on Belgian secession from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands - despite vehement Dutch protests - Leopold I became the first King of Belgium. In 1835, Queen Louise bore him a son who succeeded him in 1865: King Leopold II of Belgium, who also was the longest reigning monarch of Belgium, was particularly known for the founding of the Congo Free State. Gaining great wealth from the newly-established ivory and rubber industries in the Congo, King Leopold II was responsible for investing this money into private and public buildings in Belgium, which he mainly donated to the state before his death in 1909. The present box is said to have been a gift from King Leopold II to his chamberlain.