-Russian 1912 St Petersburg Art Deco Presentation Box In .925 Sterling And 14Kt Gold
A Russian presentation box made in St. Petersburg.
An exceptional rectangular box created in the city of St. Petersburg during the imperial Russia period, back in the beginning the 20th century, circa 1910-1912. This stunning presentation box have great provenance and has been masterfully crafted in a cushioned shape with geometric patterns in solid .916/.999 sterling silver and yellow gold of 14 karats. Fitted with seven invisible barrels and a hinged lid with a push thumb. The interiors are finished with gilt, in polished rose gold. This piece don't show any trace of wear and is in perfect condition.
Weight: 125.75 Grams, (80.61 Dwt).
Measurements: 89 mm by 56 mm by 14 mm (3.50 x 2.20 x 0.55 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped on both parts with Russian marks; the kokoshnik post 1908 mark with the letter a for the city of Saint Petersburg, the maker's mark ИБ and the 88 zolotnik mark for the assay of the .916 silver. In addition is stamped with British imports mark for the city of London, the sponsor importer mark, the mark for the assay of the .925 silver and the letter R for the importation date of 1912.
Engraving: "Souvenir Of The Masque, April 27th 1915 From Mary Paget".
Provenance: Noble & Co. 1912 London. Lady Mary Paget London. Presented as a gift in 1915 London. By several family descents to the present owner. Private collection in Palm Beach Florida. Acquired by us in August 2023.
Lady Mary Paget
She was born in America. Mary "Minnie" Paget, was the daughter of a very wealthy Boston socialite and was one of the foremost leaders of London society during the reign of the king Edward VII (1901–1910). Her home in London was always frequented by the celebrated in society, literature, and art, as well as by the king Edward VII and the queen, Alexandra of Denmark. Minnie Stevens came to Europe in 1872, having inherited the fortune of her father, the New York hotelier, Paran Stevens. She turned down numerous marriage proposals, earning the nickname, the 'Great Heiress', until an embarrassing episode in which a would-be suitor retracted his offer after discovering that her dowry was not as large as boasted. Minnie then re-alighted on a previously dashed proposal from Captain Arthur Paget, grandson of the 1st Marquess of Anglesey, whom she married in London in 1878. The Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, gave his seal of approval when he personally visited the bride to offer his best wishes.
Noble & Co.
This luxury retail store was located in the center of London close to St. James square, at the corner of 11 Haymarket street in the Dewar House Building. The business was specialized in Russian objects, goods and importation of luxury items in gold and silver from all around Europe.
Collateral: It is accompanied by the original designer's / retailer presentation fitted leather box.
Condition: The overall condition of this box is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the silver or the gold. All parts are properly secured and this piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D050823FONM/3.726
