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Title Painted tin cigar box
Nationality Polish
Period c 1815
Sold

This was made in Germany in 1832, after the failed Polish November uprising against Russia, in an unprecedented era of 'good feelings' among Germans towards Poles from 1831 to 1848. The image on the cover is from Dietrich Monten's painting 'Finis Poloniae', 1832 (there is a pretty good image of it at the Berlin's Staatsbibliothek website).

The uniforms shown are a mixture of Austrian and French light cavalry. The white cloak with red edging worn by one of the men is emblematic of the Polish colours. The central figure is wearing a typically Austrian uniform (see the Hungarian knots in gold bullion on the top of his red breeches). The seated figure on the right hand side is wearing some sort of Napoleonic French lancer uniform.

The condition of the box is excellent, with a few minor dings here and there, and reminds me of the 19th century Russian laquered boxes, painted in a similar style. The black paintwork is crazed throughout and, indeed, there is minor crackelure to the painted lid, with one larger scratch/crack across the base of the white cloak.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Ephemera : Paintings : Polish : 19th Century]

testimonials

[From a vendor, rather than a buyer]

I'm delighted that you are happy with the badge and I hope you can sell it to someone who will value owning it.

I tried to sell it on eBay but they won't accept Nazi items. I then contacted several dealers via a Google search who mostly offered me £40-£50 after some haggling. Most of the other dealers tried to conceal its true value in their replies and also lacked manners which doesn't inspire confidence.

Ultimately it's about trust. I should think that most prospective sellers have done their own research and therefore know roughly what their item is worth. You were the only dealer who had the integrity to concede that my valuation was approximately correct and I respect your comment that you can't offer this as you need to make a profit. Your honest approach is greatly appreciated and I felt comfortable taking the risk in sending it to you.

Thank you for a smooth transaction

C D, UK, 01.07.2015

I receive the cap this day, I very happy. This cap is very beautiful. I hope that find other beautiful items in your shop. Many thanks.

S T, France, 12.03.2010

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