Second half 19th century
Marked to interior: Alph. Giroux et Cie. a Paris, for maker Alphonse Giroux & Cie.; pencils stamped: William Pandin
The chamfered rectangular black lacquered box with inlaid brass banding, further inlaid to top with the Imperial Crown of Russia, flanked by inset hinged handles, the locking hinged lift top enclosing fitted silver-toned compartments and water color pigment jars, over two drawers, the first containing: six cedar pencils with gilt knobs, a gilt steel drawing pen, a gilt steel pen-holder, a gilt steel compass with removable point, a small compass, a gilt steel pencil (lead holder), a gilt-steel pen, a point, an eraser, three gilt knives, paintbrushes, two rosewood drawing aids, a rosewood palette and a smaller cherry wood palette, with key
7.25'' H x 21.75'' W x 16.5'' D

Provenance: The Estate of Tammis Day, Sula, MT.
Notes: Accompanied by a typewritten note inventorying the contents of the box and stating that, by repute, the box was presented by the Duke Radziwill as a gift to the Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna of Russia (1822-1892).

Overall good condition with scattered shrinkage cracks, nicks and losses to corners and lower molding of box commensurate with age. Some minor lifting to brass banding and some separation at joints. Curved rosewood drawing aid with breaks and losses. Interior elements appear mostly unused; glass jars contain watercolor pigments. Possibly previoulsy restored.