CENTRAL INDIA, POSSIBLY ORCHHA, DATED 1892

Details

A COMMEMORATIVE SILVER CASKET
CENTRAL INDIA, POSSIBLY ORCHHA, DATED 1892
The exterior decorated in repoussé with floral motifs around the edges of each panel, the lid with a central floral medallion and heart-shaped floral medallions in each corner accented with turquoise, the base with engraved central floral medallion and floral border, the interior of the lid silver-gilt decorated with floral motifs throughout, set with two ivory miniature portraits flanking a blue and green enamelled commemorative panel, some gems and fastening pins lacking
12 3/8 x 3 3/8 x 4 5/8in. (31.3 x 20.8 x 11.5cm.)

Engraved

Central panel inscribed: “In token of remembrance 28th November 1892 - Presented by Maharaja Mohendra Pratap Singha of Orchha, To Sir Auckland Colvin KCMG KCSI CIE Lt Govenor NWP & OUDH”

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Conditions of sale

Brought to you by

Behnaz Atighi Moghaddam Head of Sale

batighi@christies.com +44 20 7389 2509

Lot Essay

Sir Auckland Colvin KCSI KCMG CIE was a British Empire administrator in India and Egypt, born into the illustrious Anglo-Indian Colvin family. From 1880-2, he was comptroller general in Egypt, before becoming financial adviser to the Khedive from 1883-87.

He returned to India in 1883 where he remained until his retirement in 1892, first as financial member of council, and then as Lieutenant-governor of the North-West Provinces and Oudh. In May 1892, six months before his retirement, he was appointed KCSI. It is likely that this lavish box was gifted to him by Maharaja Pratap Singh (1854-1930) upon his retirement.

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