A gold, mother of pearl and enamel snuff box, circa 1730 with later additions

of cartouche form, the lid carved with Bérainesque scroll ornament between gold and enamel panels decorated with similar scrollwork, the sides chased with loop ornament, the interior of the lid with a contemporary miniature, French School, of Stanislaw Leszczynski, King of Poland, (1677-1766), wearing armour and the sash of the French Order of the Saint-Esprit, later mother of pearl base, bearing marks attributed to Claude de Serre, Paris, 1728

Anonymous vendor, Christie's Geneva, 15 November 1983, lot 645

The box is generally attractive and in good order. The original carving of the mother of pearl and enamel appliqués on the lid are very delicate although there are some small damages, restoration and added appliqués to the top of the panel. The miniature and gold work are circa 1730 although the hinge has been repaired and the base panel to the box is a later addition. A most decorative box.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Stanislaw Leszczynski (1677-1766), a protegé of Charles XII of Sweden, was elected King of Poland in 1704 but lost the throne five years later. In 1725 his daughter Marie was unexpectedly married to the young Louis XV who supported his father-in-law's claims to the Polish throne on the death of Augustus the Strong in 1733. In 1736 Leszczynski was compelled once again to abdicate but was consoled with the Duchy of Lorraine, retiring to Lunéville and a quiet life devoted to science and philosophy.

 

The lid panel should be compared with those on two unmarked oval boxes with almost identical decoration; the first attributed by Dr Walter Holzhausen to the Dresden Court Jeweller, Johann Melchior Dinglinger ('Unbekannte Pretiosen von Joh. Melchior Dinglinger', Die Weltkunst, 1 April 1966), the second from the Rothschild/ de Redé collections, Sotheby's Monaco, 25 June 1975, lot 30.