tabatière en or et pierres précieuses, Nicolas Dandrieux, Paris, 1738, avec additions tardives

en forme de cartouche, ciselée de volutes à la manière de Meissonnier, la bâte de panneaux fleuris, le couvercle inscrit en diamants taille rose : je suis fidèle toujours, charge et décharge de L. Robin, contremarque de J.B. Fouache, poinçon de contrôle XIXe, 5,8 cm ; 2 1/4 in ; et une boîte à mouches avec montures en or de deux tons, avec brosse, décharges de J. Alaterre et J.B. Fouache, 5,8 cm ; 2 1/4 in

cartouche form, the lid and base chased with Meissonnier volutes, the sides with flowered panels, the lid inscribed in rose diamonds: je suis fidele toujours, charge and discharge of Louis Robin, countermark of J.B. Fouache, 19th century French control, 5,8 cm ; 2 1/4 in; and a rectangular tortoiseshell boîte à mouches with two-colour gold mounts and thumbpiece, the interior with mirror, two lidded compartments and original brush, discharge marks of J.B. Fouache and J. Alaterre, Paris, 1768-1780, 5,8 cm ; 2 1/4 in

Diamond motto possibly added 1774-1780 explaining the countermark of Fouache; the new hinge and diamond thumbpiece probably 19th century, very worn; second remarkably good and fresh 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."

Nicolas Dandrieux was apprenticed, age 10 years,  to Toussaint Testard i0n 24 May 1701. In 1716, sponsored by Nicolas Lasnier, he became master entering his mark with an ermine différent from rue Ste Anne. He is subsequently recorded between 1748 and 1758 also in rue Ste Anne but on 3 March 1762 the wardens testify that he has given up his mark. On 13 October 1764, he is recorded as living in the rue de Cluny and taking Nicolas Rouart as apprentice although this seems somewhat doubtful considering his age. For a gold-mounted tortoiseshell piqué snuff box by Nicolas Dandrieux, Paris, 1723, see Sotheby's Monaco, 29 November 1975, lot 111 and for a chased gold box more similar to the present example, dated 1728/9, probably also by Dandrieux, see Christie's London, 7 June 2005, lot 66.