ALEXANDRE-RAOUL MOREL

the lid applied with the crowned cipher of Louis Philippe, King of the French (1773-1850), on a sablé ground within a leafy strapwork border, original red morocco case

The snuff box is in exceptionally crisp condition except for a few small abrasions to the sablé ground only visible at certain angles. Outer case with normal time wear inside and out. A small flap of leather is lifting on the front.
"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."

It is not recorded to whom this royal presentation box was given by Louis Philippe. Following a French royal tradition dating back to Louis XV (Louis XIV disliked both tobacco and its smokers), snuff boxes incorporating portraits of the monarch or his cipher were presented as diplomatic gifts or in gratitude for certain valued services. It is not known whether it was the historical associations of this box or merely its simple elegance which appealed to Gunter Sachs.

Alexandre-Raoul, son of the gold box maker Gabriel-Raoul Morel, was born in Paris in 1801. He entered two marks with his father's 'oreille' différent from 7 rue Neuve-des-Bons-Enfants, the first in 1833 for 'la tabatière' and the second, replacing it in 1849 for 'la bijouterie'. This last was cancelled a year later in 1850.

The retailer Maignan is also recorded as having a shop at 177 rue Saint-Honoré (Henri Nocq, Le poinçon de Paris, Paris, 1926-1931, vol. I, p. 340).