Grande boîte à épices en vermeil en trois parties, non poinçonnée, probablement Valladolid, vers 1600

chaque partie reposant sur trois pieds sommés de têtes d'homme barbu, ciselée de rinceaux sur fond amati, la prise ajourée sommée d'un pyramidion

Enciclopedia de la Plata Espanola, 1984, p. 468.

"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."

Les boîtes à épices du XVII^e siècle sont des pièces rares en orfèvrerie espagnole, seules douze sont repertoriées à ce jour. Pour une boîte à épice similaire au poinçon de Saragosse, provenant de la collection de la Hispanic Society of America à New York, voir  Enciclopedia de la plata espanola, 1984, n° 1538, p. 432 (Fig. 1) ; une autre figure dans les collections du Victoria & Albert Museum de Londres.  

Spanish 17th century silver spice boxes are extremely rare with only 12 examples being recorded in existence today. For a very similar spice box, with a Saragossa town mark, in the collections of the Hispanic Society of America, New York, see Enciclopedia de la plata espanola, 1984, n° 1538, p. 432 (fig. 1); another example is in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.