A gold etui chased with Dido and Aeneas, London, circa 1750

of quiver form, chased on one side with Dido symbolically crowning Aeneas, the reverse with Aeneas's departure, below putti carrying aloft wedding torches or martial swords, within laurel garlands and scrolls on a very finely matted ground, the interior complete with implements

Exterior in remarkably good condition with delicate textures of matting. Some tiny, almost imperceptible stress splits in chasing. Interior complete with implements with slight rusting to steel parts of tools.
"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."

Although it is not possible to attribute the etui to any individual chaser, the extensive use of differently-textured matted grounds contrasting with the polished areas in high relief is distinctive.

In the story of Dido and Aeneas, recounted in Virgil’s Aeneid, the Carthaginian queen offers to share her kingdom with her shipwrecked Trojan lover but he is reminded by Mercury that he must leave as his destiny is to found Rome. Distraught, the abandoned Dido orders a pyre on which she stabs herself with a sword given to her by Aeneas who sees the flames rising as his fleet sails away.