tabatière en or à décor strié, apparemment par J. Pitaux, Paris, vers 1800

rectangulaire, le fermoir légèrement bombé, poinçon de maître et 3e titre 1798-1809 uniquement



upright, rectangular form, reeded overall, slightly everted thumbpiece, maker's mark and 3e titre 1798-1809 only

Excellent crisp condition.
"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."

This mark was apparently entered by J. Pitaux in 1810/11 (after the date of the control mark on the box) for: Bijouterie : la parure en perles fines ; le petit bijou from 25 rue de Harlay. A Pitaux (Christian name unknown) is recorded as a post-revolutionary retailer, apparently without a registered maker's mark, at rue Vivienne 17, in the Tableaux de Douët of 1806 and by Vever at rue Vivienne 65, à la Corbeille galante (La bijouterie française au XIXe siècle, Paris, 1906, vol.I, p. 22). For a presentation snuff box retailed by Pitaux, see lot 54.