deux tabatières en émail, milieu du XVIIIe siècle et plus tard

la première, France, de forme contournée, à décor en relief d'or, le couvercle d'un café à la Turque, les montures en argent avec poinçon de décharge de Louis Robin, Paris, 1738-1744; et une plaque rectangulaire en "émail de Saxe" à décor en relief d'or, ajoutée à un porte-monnaie et gravé d'un monogramme au revers, le panneau, vers 1720, la porte-monnaie vers 1870



the first French, cartouche form, decorated in raised gilding and coloured enamels, the lid with 'Turkish coffee', the sides with masks and exotic birds, the base with a branch-bearing dancing putto, silver mounts with discharge mark of Louis Robin, Paris, 1738-1744; and a German 'émail de Saxe' rectangular plaque decorated in gold relief with tribute to a seated monarch, on an unusual dark green ground with pink, lemon and white islands, later set into the lid of a silver-gilt purse with monogram-engraved reverse, panel circa 1720, purse circa 1870

First: generally good impression, some wear to gilding particularly on base and some translucent enamel losses, cracks to enamel on lid at 7 o'clock and below on side, several further minor hair cracks on sides, base and interior. Second: some gilding losses on highest points and some old restoration on enamel plaque: top left, right and centre, right side and unrestored chip to bottom right corner. Purse would benefit from professional cleaning.
"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."

The origins of the Turkish subject of a man in a janissary's costume pouring coffee for a seated lady wearing Turkish dress with an atypical headdress are not known. The origin of the figures on the second panel are not recorded but it is probable that the enthroned monarch is taken from a coronation medal made for Frederick I who became first King in Prussia in 1701.