L12304

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Lot 175
  • 175

A three-colour gold and cameo snuff box, Charles-Joachim-Benjamin Dallemagne, Paris, 1787

Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • gold, hardstone
  • width 7.3cm, 2 7/8 in
oval, scattered with mullets and pellets on a reeded ground within coloured gold garland borders, the lid later inset with an oval hardstone cameo of  Sappho, a laurel wreath in her hair, within a frame of chased laurel on a sablé ground

Condition

A crisp smart box. The hinge has been excellently repaired but there is very slight denting below and a slight gap when box is closed; several minor nicks and irregularities in base rim.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Dallemagne entered a first mark, CJB a mallet between, on 29 March 1786, from the rue St-Denis, sponsored by Louis-Julien Anthiaume, son of Jacques Anthiaume, both noted cutlery makers. Dallemagne entered two post-revolutionary maker's marks in 1801 and 1807 for l'orfèvrerie : le couvert. While his first mark appears on a number of gold boxes and étuis à cire in the 1780s (c.f. Sotheby's Olympia, 21 November 2002, lot 43, a three-colour gold box of 1787), his later mark is only recorded on cutlery, evidently then a more profitable market.