COMMEMORATIVE BLUED STEEL, GOLD AND SAPPHIRE CIGARETTE CASE IMPERIAL RUSSIA, CIRCA 1908–1914

commemorative cigarette case in blued steel, the upper section of the obverse engine-turned with diagonal fluting and richly applied with finely chased yellow and rose gold mounts. The decoration comprises two facsimile signatures in Latin script (‘Hans Sponsel’ and ‘Emil’), a stylised heraldic shield, an elephant passant—symbolising prosperity and alluding to the Danish Order of the Elephant, closely associated with the Romanov Imperial family—and two crossed cannons surmounted by the numeral ‘5’, forming a regimental insignia. The reverse is decorated with two large interlaced crowned monograms in gold and three facsimile signatures in Cyrillic script executed in gold wire. The thumbpiece is set with a cabochon sapphire within a gold mount. The satin-finished steel interior retains its original gold through-rivets securing the exterior appliqués, together with the original khaki fabric elastic retaining straps. polished blued steel, yellow and rose gold borders, fittings and appliqués 9 × 6.5 × 1.5 cm gross weight: 88 gr. Upon the buyer’s request, we are pleased to provide a general condition report for the Lot described above. However, as we are not professional conservators or restorers, we strongly advise prospective buyers to conduct their own inspection or consult a specialist or restorer of their choice for a comprehensive professional assessment. Any condition descriptions provided in the catalogue or through any correspondence are for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for a firsthand evaluation. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD ‘AS IS’ IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE PUBLISHED IN THE CATALOGUE.