A GOLD SNUFF BOX REPRESENTING A TRIPLE CORONATION, PROBABLY BRAZIL, CIRCA 1834 | A gold snuff box representing a triple coronation, probably Brazil, circa 1834

rectangular, the lid die-stamped with a scene representing Pedro I, King of Portugal, his son, Pedro, Crown Prince of Brazil and his daughter, Maria I, Queen of Portugal, in an interior flanked by columns, the imperial throne to the left on a textured ground, the angled sides and base chased with scrollwork and flowers, raised thumbpiece, maker's mark LTM in a rectangle

overall good condition; a few light surface scratches on the polished gold parts, commensurate with age, the lower left corner of the lid slightly lifting when shut
"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."

This interesting box depicts an allegorical scene, possibly based on a print, with Dom Pedro of Braganza, King of Portugal and Emperor of Brazil (1798-1834) crowning his son Pedro (1825-1891), as Crown Prince of Brazil (future Emperor Pedro II) and his daughter, Maria (1819-1853) as Queen Maria I of Portugal, effectively separating Brazil from Portugal. Overseeing the scene and crowning Dom Pedro with a crown of stars is Nuno Álvares Pereira, spiritual father of the House of Braganza. Nuno Álvares Pereira (1360-1431) was the father of the first Duchess of Braganza, heir to his huge estates, given by king Dom João I for his support in the fight against the King of Castile. To the left of the scene is the imperial throne with the new Brazilian arms and cypher for Pedro I. Based on Charles Percier’s design for Napoleon I’s throne, made by Georges Jacob, it is likely that the imperial throne was ordered from Jacob-Desmalter, in light of the numerous furniture commissions (which included several thrones) from Rio de Janeiro made by the previous ruler, Dom João, and also by his son, Dom Pedro. Two further boxes set with panels die-stamped with the same subject are recorded: the first, now in the Museu Imperial de Petropolis, Rio de Janeiro, is illustrated by Humberto M. Franceschi, O Oficio da Prata no Brasil, 1988, p. 250; the second was sold, Began Antiguidades, Sao Paulo, 10 September 2018, lot 83. It is probable, given the allegorical nature of the subject, that the boxes were created to commemorate the reign of Pedro I following his death in 1834.