rounded rectangular, the surface enameled in gold-colored enamel over banded wavy engine-turning, divided by chased foliate varicolor gold and translucent strawberry enamel borders, the hinged lid centered with a large old mine cushion-cut diamond within varicolor gold and platinum flowerheads and a rose-cut diamond frame, with garnet thumbpiece

some repairs to enamel
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This magnificently decorated gold cigarette case set with a diamond of almost four carats was presented to the Don Cossack General Nikolai Klunnikov (1858-1917) from grateful Ukrainian landowners of the Taganrog District, of which he was Administrator. In addition to his distinguished military career, Klunnikov was a talented government executive, as the lavish gift proves. The selection of Carl Blank to produce the snuffbox further attests to the esteem in which Klunnikov was held. In addition to producing his own pieces, Blank was a workmaster for Hahn, one of the foremost firms of jewelers in St. Petersburg in the period, from 1892-1909. Hahn was one of Fabergé's main competitors for Imperial commissions and supplied the Imperial Cabinet with 8 of the 54 boîtes à portrait presented during the reign of Empe♏ror Nicholas II.