Silver Writing Casket by Jakob Moores I, Gift to Emperor Peter I

With the monogram of Tsar and Emperor Peter I of Russia (1672 - 1725). Silver, partially with residual gilding. Rectangular body on four feet. Edges and sides adorned with multiple profiled decorative bands. The side drawer extends continuously, featuring ring handles. The top features two large round recesses for inkwell and sand pounce, as well as five smaller ones for pen holders. All sides are finely engraved with luxuriant foliage and scrollwork, fruits, flowers, shells, and tail ornaments, as well as stylized eagle heads at the top. The bottom is engraved with the monogram "FWC" in honor of Friedrich Wilhelm, Elector of Brandenburg (1620 - 1688). The box bears old weight markings "No: 43M: 5L: 1qt:". On one narrow side, a mirror is set with the monogram "PE" (Peter Emperor) under the Russian imperial crown of Peter I of Russia (monogram identification confirmed by Dr. Lopato, curator of silver works at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg). A similar cipher for the monogram can be found on a drawing of the triumphal arch commissioned by Peter I on the occasion of the peace agreement with Sweden in 1721 at Nystad. On the opposite side are the coats of arms of the Prussian noble family von Langen – Wilhelm von Langen (1706 - 1758) was an officer in Russian military service from 1737. He most likely received the box as a reward for military merit from the imperial court. Another engraved inventory monogram "PAB" on the underside likely refers to "Peter Alexeyevich the Great" (Peter I the Great). Signed, marked, dated, elder Moritz Kopp (from 1577), master Jakob Moores the Elder (became a master circa 1579). Weight approximately 780 g. Height 9.5 cm. 16 cm x 8.3 cm. Jakob Moores I created high-quality silver works on behalf of European kings and princes. This casket also belonged to the electors of Brandenburg and kings in Prussia. King Friedrich Wilhelm I (1688 - 1740) and the Tsar maintained close friendly ties and a lively diplomatic exchange. It is likely he presented the box on the occasion of the Tsar's coronation as Emperor of the Russian Empire in 1721. The most famous gift from Friedrich Wilhelm I is the renowned Amber Cabinet. A similar copper writing casket can be found in the Summer Palace in St. Petersburg. See: Schliemann, 1985, vol. II, p. 7, No. 19, p. 46, No. 105, p. 52, No. 115; Neuer Siebmacher, vol. V, plate 31/p. 51; N.I. Pavlenko, Peter the Great, Moscow 1998, p. 64, p. 106, ill. 386; Monograms on coins and documents, Flaming, p. 22, No. 686. Silver writing casket by Jakob Moores I (master since 1579), probably as a later gift from Elector Friedrich Wilhelm I to Tsar and Emperor Peter I of Russia (the Great). With residual gilding. Engraved monograms, old weight marks and coat of arms of the noble von Langen family. Proof mark and master's mark. German, Hamburg, circa 1580.