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Lot 245

A box presented to HRH the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) on his visit to Trichinopoly
South India, Trichinopoly, 1875

25 October 2021, 11:00 BST
London, New Bond Street

Sold for £3,570 inc. premium

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A box presented to HRH the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) on his visit to Trichinopoly
South India, Trichinopoly, 1875

of rectangular form with hinged lid, the lid mounted in brass engraved with floral and foliate motifs, a central brass plaque engraved with the dedication Presented to: HRH The Princess of Wales by the Residents of Trichinopoly. 1875, the interior with blue velvet, baize to base
25 x 9.2 x 31.7 cm.

Footnotes

The Prince of Wales's tour of India in 1875-6, was undertaken by the Prince of Wales to forge diplomatic links between the British Crown and Indian rulers. He visited over 21 towns and cities around the Indian subcontinent, which encompassed parts of modern-day India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. It was customary for the Prince to exchange gifts with each ruler he met and some of the most significant Indian works of art acquired during the tour, examples of which include a rosewater sprinkler and pan-dan form part of the Royal Collection. The present lot is fascinating as it was presented to the Prince of Wales for the Princess of Wales, Alexandra who was absent from this tour. This was because the Prince had intended to spend much of the tour hunting and shooting, hence his entourage consisted entirely of males. It is unknown how many gifts presented to the Prince of Wales were intended for the Princess, which makes the present lot unusual.

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