boîte en vermeil probablement par Jean-Baptiste Gillet, Paris, 1743-1744

de forme cartouche, le couvercle et dessous ciselés de putti attaquant des oiseaux, dans un cadre de rinceaux et entrelacs, la bâte à panneaux de guirlandes de roses (étiquette PJB 141)

 

of cartouche form, the lid and base chased with putti attacking birds, within auricular scrolls on a diaper ground, the sides panelled with rose garlands, label PJB 141, charge and discharge marks of Louis Robin, later French control mark 1893-1970



 



 



 



 

Damage to left hand of hinge, slight crimping to rim of lid to right of thimbpiece, wear to base. (poinçon de charge et décharge, poinçon de contrôle français 1893-1970).
"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 little known, Jean-Baptiste Gillet had a very long career in Paris. He was apprenticed at the age of 16, in 1725, to Simon Morée (see lot 6) who was his sponsor when he became master in 1734, from the rue Trop va qui dure. He is recorded as working at a number of different addresses until his death in 1786. Gillet's wife Marguerite Jarry died while they were living on the pont au Change in 1755; his maker's mark had to be replaced in 1759 while he was on the quai des Orfèvres; he was listed as no. 110 in the corporation for volume of work  for the tax of 1774. For another cartouche-shaped silver box by Gillet, Paris, 1736/7, see loan exhibition catalogue, Dozen am Niezen, Antwerp,  1996-1997, no. 95.