A gold-mounted tortoiseshell boîte à miniature, Adrien-Jean-Maximilien Vachette, Paris, 1809-1819

of waisted circular form, the lid inset with a fixé-sous-verre, by Lebelle, signed: Lebelle fecit, depicting the interior of a gothic church, probably a slightly romanticised view of Saint Eustache, Paris, narrow gold frame, gold lining, maker's mark, tête de bébé 2me garantie, Paris 2me titre et garantie 1809-1813,  the rim engraved: Vachette Bijoutier à Paris, 20 K, 5/32, later French eagle head control

with Galerie J. Kugel, Paris, in 1996

Traces of glue and splits to gold lining inside the lid. one vertical crack on tortoiseshell lid with restoration ; two vertical cracks on tortoiseshell box on side ; still good order and aspect.
"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."

Little appears to be known about Lebelle, apart from the fact that he worked in the first part of the 19th century and specialised in fixé-sous-verre views of Paris, often signed, with a fondness for a strong contrast between light and shade.