A RARE AND EXTENSIVE LOUIS XVI SILVER-GILT NÉCESSAIRE, Jacques-Henri Alberti, Strasbourg, 1782-83

all with running laurel borders and bud finials, engraved with contemporary arms under ecclesiastic hat on ribbon-tied ermine mantle, comprising:
large pear-shaped chocolate or coffee pot with molinet
smaller cylindrical chocolate pot
apple-shaped teapot
oviform hot milk jug
quadrangular tea caddy
shaped circular plate
pair of tulip-shaped beakers
three cylindrical cannisters
hand candlestick
spherical sponge box
matching soap box
egg-shaped tea ball
four cut-glass bottles with silver-gilt caps
folding lampstand
lamp
funnel
and in drawer
dinner knife
dessert knife
fruit knife with ivory handle
tablespoon
table fork
dessert spoon
dessert fork
two teaspoons
serving spade
salt shovel with marrow scoop
pair of tweezers
pair of sugar tongs
clip for basin
and inkwell and sander in white silver by François Joubert, Paris, 1755
38 pieces, in a fitted brass-bound chest.  Together with an Edwardian mahogany display cabinet, circa 1910.

Monseigneur Raymond de Durfort (1725-1792)
Bernard Steinitz, Paris

Paris, 1964: Le Siècle d'Or de l'Orfèvrerie de Strasbourg, Jacques Kugel, 10-31 October 1964, no. 131, pp. 82-84, illus.

Etienne Martin, ed. Deux siècles d'orfèvrerie à Strasbourg, 2004, p. 166.

clip implies basin now lacking, top fitted for two elements not present, teaball unmarked, some bleaching and cracking to wood case and interior refitted; otherwise good, very rare survival in excellent condition with strong gilding and crisp engraving
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Raymond de Durfort grew up at the Château de Roque-en-Quercy.  In 1750, he was made Abbot of Vieuville (near Dol) at the age of 25; in 1757 he was named Abbot of Lessay in the Manche, and in 1761 he was named chaplain to the King.  He was named Bishop of Avranches at Versailles November 8, 1764, a position he held until becoming Bishop of Montpellier in May 1766.  In 1774 he was consecrated Archbishop of Besançon in the Cathedral Saint-Jean; he held the title until it was abolished in the French Revolution, then died in 1792.