A collection of four gold boxes

rectangular or rounded rectangular, comprising: a small gold snuff box, Louis-François Tronquoy, Paris, circa 1840, the lid engraved with a blank cartouche on a ground of patterned engine-turning; a similar German example, circa 1900; two gold and enamel boxes, both apparently unmarked, probably Geneva, mid 19th century, the lid of the first painted with a bouquet of summer flowers, the second partially engraved and enamelled with a view of Venice, losses; and a multi-coloured box, apparently unmarked, the lid and sides applied with chased flowers and leaves; a larger box, struck: 18K, probably Spanish or Italian, 20th century, the lid and base with engraved and chased foliate borders; and two modern pill boxes, one Lopez, Madrid, the other struck: Ansorena

Please note: All the boxes in this lot are struck with local marks for gold and/or have tested positive for gold; however, as four lack UK import marks and are of post-1922 manufacture, UK hallmarking regulations prevent us from describing them as gold. Condition: As visible in the catalogue photo, the box upper left corner is lacking half of the enamel of its central lid panel. This poses two possibilities: Either the box orginally had translucent enamel (or was part enamelled) to reveal the engraved Venetian view and was later re-enamelled with the bucolic subject now partially showing at the top, or the maker(s) of the box had a change of mind (possibly owing to a change in taste) about the Venetian view and chose to cover it up with the bucolic subject which is therefore in fact original. In any event, if what remains of the enamel were to be removed, the box would be more pleasing. Other boxes: The box with the enamelled flowers with small patch of restoration to enamel and tiny enamel losses. The Tronquoy box (lower right corner) with shallow dent to the lid. All others in generally very good condition, some with minor wear.
"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."