Ellis Finch
Head of Knightsbridge Silver Department
Gold Boxes
Lot 52*
A mid 19th century Swiss gold and enamelled snuff box by Jean-François Bautte & Cie, Geneva circa 1826
25 April 2018, 14:00 BST
London, New Bond StreetSold for £22,500 inc. premium
Looking for a similar item?
Our Home and Interiors specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistAsk about this lot
Michael Moorcroft
Consultant
Anna Burnside
Head of Sale
A mid 19th century Swiss gold and enamelled snuff box
by Jean-François Bautte & Cie, Geneva circa 1826
Rectangular, decorated in black taille d'epergne enamel, the cover with the arms of the Great Lodge of Greece and dated 1821, on a ground of flowering foliage, the sides and base with similar decoration and the initials 'I.A.K.', length 7cm, weight total 52gms.
Rectangular, decorated in black taille d'epergne enamel, the cover with the arms of the Great Lodge of Greece and dated 1821, on a ground of flowering foliage, the sides and base with similar decoration and the initials 'I.A.K.', length 7cm, weight total 52gms.
Footnotes
The I.A.K. monogram on the base of the present lot is for Count Ioannis Antonios Kapodistrias (11th February 1776 – 9th October 1831). For a similar box and two watchcases, see The National Historical Museum, Athens.
Kapodistrias, a Greek statesman, who served as the Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire, was one of the most distinguished politicians and diplomats of Europe. Kapodistrias was also active in creating the masonic order in Greece. As a diplomat in Russia, he worked hard to persuade Tsar Alexander to support the Greek rebellion in 1821. After his entreaties failed he went into exile in Geneva where he was able to order this series of boxes and watch covers from Bautte.
After a long and distinguished career in European politics and diplomacy, Kapodistrias was elected as the first head of state of independent Greece (1827–31). He is considered as the founder of the modern Greek state, and of Greek independence.
Additional information
Bid now on these items
