[PRESENT TO PAUL DEMETRIUS VON KOTZEBUE (1801–1884)] IMPORTANT GOLD, DIAMOND AND ENAMEL SNUFF BOX WITH MINIATURE OF EMPEROR ALEXANDER II, before 1870

Gold snuffbox with a miniature of Emperor Alexander II of Russia, rectangular in shape, in the Rococo style, with finely chased and carved baluster decoration of plant garlands applied in red gold on a yellow gold ground, alternating with blue enamelled motifs, partially enamelled with blue cartouches on the sides and back. The hinged lid is adorned with a central polychrome miniature under curved glass depicting a bust portrait of Tsar Alexander II in Preobrazhensky regimental uniform wearing decorations, set with small rose-cut diamonds in a laurel leaf surround. Hallmarks: Charles Colins & Söhne goldsmith's hallmark (active from 1837 to 1870), Hanau title hallmark (Germany), bears the order number of the Imperial Court of Russia: ‘KAM. N. 1960' 4 x 10 x 8 cm gross weight: 225 gr. circa 1855-1860 Provenance: Provenance: - A gift from Emperor Alexander II, to PAUL DEMETRIUS VON KOTZEBUE (1801–1884) a general in the Imperial Russian Army, who took part in the Crimean War. This senior officer with an exemplary career received the insignia of the Order of Saint Andrew in diamonds, a privilege reserved for the highest dignitaries of the Empire, and he was also military governor of Warsaw. - Count Elie Tolstoy, grandson of P.Kotzebue, and thereafter to his descendants. - Private collection, Monaco.