An Alexander I Russian provincial 84 Zolotnik (875 standard) parcel-gilt silver and niello snuff box, Veliky Ustyug 1813(?) by Fedor Klimov Bushkovsky (b. 1778 active 1795-1834)

Of rectangular form with rounded corners, the hinged lid with a nielloed oval cartouche of a seated maiden writing on a shield laid against a pedestal, a dog seated at her feet, reserved with a liner background. The obverse with a nielloed oval cartouche showing a flaming heart atop of a mount, flanked by a quiver of arrows and a blazing torch, all above a dove in flight, similarly reserved. All edged with a gilt bright cut engraved border. Gilt interior. Marked to base interior and lid with town mark, standard mark makers mark (ФБ) and assay masters mark of Matvey Ivanov Igumnov (active 1809-26).

Length – 5.7 cm / 2.25 inches

Weight – 49 grams / 1.58 ozt

Mark: Postnikova 158-159 “master of carving and nielloing (…) one of the best masters of his time.”

This box almost certainly commemorates the Russo-Turkish War (1806–1812), another Veliky Ustyug nielloed snuff box commemorating the great Russian general Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov (1745-1813) was sold Sotheby’s London, 30 Nov 2011, Lot 504 (£20,000 including premium). Holding the rank of Field Marshall, he was awarded the title Prince (Knyaz) of Smolensk, his death on the 13^th April 1813 was profoundly mourned in Russia.