Coupe en agate montée en vermeil et argent par Jules Wiese, Paris, vers 1870

A few minor scratches under the foot, general condition excellent, agate bowl is at a minor angle in the mounts, marks are good and clearly struck, very small abrasions to rim of agate, only just visible, otherwise excellent
"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."

Jules Wièse (1818-1890), also known as Wize, Wisset or Wizet, 'originally a pupil of the well-known goldsmith Hossauer, of Berlin ..., migrated to Paris, and became a workman in the atelier of M. (Jean-Valentin) Morel. He subsequently (1839) became chef d'atelier, and then partner with the late (when this was written in 1862)  Froment Meurice... In 1855 he first became an exhibitor on his own account, and obtained a medal of the first class, and in 1862 he has worthily sustained the credit of his name' (Masterpieces of Industrial Art, London, 1863, drawn from the exhibits at the 1862 London International Exhibition).  J.B.Waring's brief biography skims over the somewhat complex relationship between Froment-Meurice and Wièse.  It seems that Wièse set up an establishment with 25 workmen in 1844 entering a mark for bijouterie, l'object d'art from 63 rue de la Tixanderie subsequently moving to the rue Jean Pain-Molet in 1849.  He still appeared to work exclusively for his former employer and was described by him as Wisset, contre-maître when F.D. Froment-Meurice was awarded a gold medal at the 1849 Paris Exposition.  When Froment-Meurice died suddenly on the eve of the Exhibition of 1855,  Wièse appears to have stepped into the breach, winning a medal for the reliquaire du talisman de Charlemagne, ordered by emperor Napoleon III. In 1860 he was commissioned to produce the sword of honor awarded to  marshall Mac Mahon, for the victory at Magenta.