The hinged cover with beaded ormolu frame enclosing a glazed panel with five circular apertures, the central aperture set with an ivory disc apparently monogrammed in hair 'MC' the four surrounding apertures apparently enclosing eight ivory discs, which alternate mechanically, one sequence with a miniature of a baby, a miniature of a lady wearing a black lace mantua, a disc with the monogram 'AS' and with a disc inscribed 'Fernando recibe en don/Esta imagen, de ti amada;/Aunque mas bien retratada/Estara en tu corazon.'; when rotated, four discs with the monograms 'MA', 'TS', 'PC' and 'RE' are shown, the interior of the lid lined with blue silk and mounted with silvered makers plaque embossed 'I. TAGLIONI REG. MACCHINISTA F. IN NAPOLI', above a glazed musical movement and an aperture for a four pronged key for operating the rotating discs to the cover, all raised on four ormolu and patinated bronze feet in the form of tortoises, with circular 'Anthony & Marietta Coleridge Collection' label, inscribed 'WA 19'
5¹⁄₄ in. (13 cm.) high; 12 in. (30 cm.) wide; 9 in. (23 cm.) deep

Traditionally Archduchess Maria Carolina (1752-1814), Queen of Naples and Sicily; perhaps more likely, commissioned by or for her husband Ferdinand (1751-1825), IV of the Kingdom of Naples and Ferdinand III of the Kingdom of Sicily, and subsequently King of the Two Sicilies from 1816.
Pelham Galleries, where acquired by Anthony Coleridge (d. 2025).

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Lot Essay

Traditionally the posession of Archduchess Maria Carolina, Queen of Naples and Sicily but it was, perhaps, more likely commissioned by or for her husband Ferdinand King of Naples and Two Sicilies, apparently in memorial of his late wife. This, perhaps, may be only half the story as, by means of an ingenious musical mechanism, the outer four discs rotate and are exchanged with four alternate discs. In its initial position, the discs appear to represent the initials of four of the couple's children, with the central disc representing Queen Maria Carolina herself, however, in the secondary position, the discs are exchanged and show miniatures of a young woman wearing a Mantilla, a baby, a Spanish love message which roughly translates as 'Fernando receives in gift/This image, of your beloved;/Although rather portrayed/It will be in your heart.' and the initials AS.

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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

‌This unusual box is in generally good overall condition, although the mechanism to the lid is not in full working order.
‌The timbers have been cleaned and repolished at some time and the finish is a little pale.
‌The ormolu is a little grubby but apparently in its original state. There is one small crack to the glass of the cover between two of the circular cut-outs. There is also a chip to the edge of the glass covering the central disc.
‌The damask below the glass to the cover may be original, however, it has not noticeably faded, so this is not conclusive.
‌The central ivory panel is split but appears stable. There is some minor deterioration to the two miniatures and they would benefit from professional cleaning, as would the other ivory discs to a lesser extent.
‌The mechanism that exchanges the four radial discs is not fully functional but can be manipulated to facilitate the exchange with great care, this part of the movement was probably originally triggered in tandem with the musical mechanism by turning the key to the cover of the box, which also unlocks it. The musical mechanism is not presently working - although the latter appears outwardly complete and will play a few notes. The escutcheon to the cover is slightly ill-fitting and may be a 19th century replacement, suggesting that the lock may also have been changed, but this is not conclusive. The moveable radial discs to the top, do not sit completely flat. The decorative ormolu and patinated bronze feet probably original.
‌The interior of the lid covered in dark blue silk, probably original and a little worn, the lower part of the interior has been relined with 20th century (cushioned) brown velvet.
‌Overall minor marks, knocks, scratches and wear consistent with age and use.
‌With appropriate restoration to the mechanism, this probably unique fascinating box, probably a love token, with its concealed messaging and meanings would be a fascinating and entertaining object.
‌
‌A video of the mechanism exchanging the discs being operated is available on request.

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