tabatière en or par Etienne-Michel Hallet, Paris, 1783-1789

ovale, à décor guilloché de fleurs et grains sur fond strié, bordé de rubans, poinçon de maître, charge et décharge d'Henri Clavel, Paris, 1783-1789

oval, engine-turned overall with scattered flower heads and pellets on a reeded ground within engraved ribbon borders, maker's mark, charge and discharge marks of Henri Clavel, Paris, 1783-1789 




 

generally good order, except for minor dents on front and back panels.
"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."

Son of the gold box maker  Michel-Robert Hallé or Hallet, Etienne-Michel succeeded his father as joaillier du Roi in 1754. In 1762 as he had been living and working in the Gobelins for more than six years, he was accorded the privilege of those working for the Royal manufactories, and was granted the maitrise in Paris, sponsored by Etienne Moreau. He was still living in the Gobelins in 1766 but is listed in the Almanach in 1772, on quai Pelletier, à la Tabatière d'or, where he is recorded until 1791. His wife Françoise-Julie Tardif died in 1779 and was buried at the church of St Gervais; Etienne Hallet was described as orfèvre bijoutier de Madame la Comtesse d'Artois.