An amethystine quartz snuff box with jewelled gold mounts, probably Dresden, circa 1770

oval, the hardstone rose engine-turned overall, red gold mounts chased in an interlaced reed pattern, the two-colour gold thumbpiece possibly later applied and set with rose diamonds and rubies forming a branch, unmarked, in tooled and gilt red leather case

The interior of the box with printed label: J.F. Dickson, numbered in ink: 33.

Mounts would benefit from professional cleaning. Box in good order although there are natural flaws as to be expected in the hardstone; there is some crizzling to stone on the underside of lid under thumbpiece. Case has time wear.
"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."

This particular type of interlaced and reeded ornament appears on two boxes signed by the chaser Otto Christian Sahler: a lapis lazuli box with jewelled gold mounts, circa 1765, Sotheby's London, 29 November 2005, lot 45 and a gold box chased with episodes from the Seven Years' War, of similar date, illustrated A. Kenneth Snowman, Eighteenth Century Gold Boxes of Europe, Woodbridge, 1990, pl. 245.