Circular, the lid inset with an earlier Russian ivory plaque carved with the portrait, almost in profile, of Anna Ivanova, Empress and Autocrat of all the Russias (reigned 1730-1740), within a border of laurel, within curled gilt-paper and split pearl borders, the base with a contemporary ivory Alchemical panel carved à jour with an altar decorated with the hexagram of the seven metals encircled by the ourobic dragon and serpent, to the right Hercules holding a shield emblazoned with the symbol of Sol and a serpent with the Hydra at his feet all beneath pedimented canopy engraved 'Veritatis Templum', the seven steps to which are guarded by a pair of sphinxes, with serpents strewn at the foot, to the left an obelisk decorated with the Chain of Homer and below a figure of a scholar with three crucibles, all beneath a rayed sky with clouds and six stars, the sides with matte blue enamel ground and cagework mounts chased with cornucopia, laurel and roses, the gold lined interior with later presentation inscription, 'MAJOR ORDE/9th Lt Dragons/To Capt. Chapman/Monte Video/21st June 1807, ' in a red leather carrying case