Imperial presentation box with cipher of Nicholas I, by Keibel, 1825-1855

Rectangular gold snuff box, the hinged lid is centered with the cipher of Tsar Nicholas Ist, Emperor of Russia, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Finland from 1825 to 1855, in rose-cut diamonds on a guilloché blue enamel background with radiant decoration, in a frame of laurel leaves, the whole surrounded by flowers and foliage chiseled in relief on matte background. The reverse chiseled with foliage scrolls surrounding a four-color gold motif representing a fauna carrying a fruit basket surrounded by two birds.
By Johann Wilhelm Keibel (1788-1862), St Petersburg, 1825-1855.
The gold lining of the lid marked "Keibel", the box marked 875 and engraved with an inventory number 1059 C.
Good general condition, slight stains.
L. 9 x D. 6.5 x H. 2.4 cm.
Gross weight: 164.0 g.

Provenance

- Christie's London, 30 November 2004, lot 448.
- French private collection.

Related works

- A gold and blue guilloché enamel snuffbox signed by Keibel, inlaid with miniatures on ivory of Nicholas I and Alexandra Feodorovna, circa 1826, is kept in the Hillwood Museum, Washington DC (inv. 11.39).
- A gold and platinum snuff box attributed to Keibel with similar scrolls, inlaid with a medal in the profile of Nicholas I, circa 1826, is kept in the Hillwood Museum, Washington DC (inv. 11.40).