A Gold and Ivory Boîte-à-Miniature, Moulinié & Bautte, Geneva, 1804-1807

oval, the lid centered by a glazed oval portrait miniature of two gentlemen with powdered wigs, the left possibly the Duc de Choiseul, in a pale blue waistcoat, decorated with the blue sash and breast-star of the Royal French Order of the Holy Ghost, a cleric to his side, painted on ivory, surrounded by chased gold scrollwork on a sablé ground, the sides and base with wavy horizontal engine-turned panels within Greek key and foliate borders, anthemia dividers, maker’s mark, departmental petite garantie 1798- 1809, later French control marks 

Length 3 ¼ in.

8.4 cm

This lot contains ivory. Commercial trade in ivory is regulated by multiple governments and international organizations around the world, including through prohibitions, restrictions, and individual circumstances and the relevant auction / sale. Sotheby's therefore recommends that, before taking any action in relation to a potential purchase or handling of an ivory item, buyers obtain advice on the regimes and requirements applicable to them. Sotheby's will also not conduct any applications for buyers for exemption certificates, CITES licenses, registrations, or similar that may be required, including renewal or update of the same, or arrange or import or export permits needed for international shipping. A buyer's inability or delay to obtain necessary documentation, or lawfully arrange the export or import of the lot will not justify sale cancellation or a delay in payment.