A pair of carved bone and ivory armorial mirrors, Dieppe, Napoleon III, circa 1870

each of oval form, the whole carved with applied leaves, both surmounted by the coat of arms of Barons Audley with the family’s motto 'Je Le Tiens'' and dragons supports, the base with a lyre flanked by two winged cherub terms, the sides with the figures of Pan, further coat-of-arms of Audley and Touchet families and the monogram CSB to each side

These attractive mirrors are In overall good conserved condition with some small losses to leaves and a very minor number of leaves missing, almost unnoticeable. There are some yellowing to carvings overall and in particular to satyrs and some small breaks and repairs. Backing of frames are now painted white. Detailed photos available on request.
"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."

These exquisite mirrors made of carved and engraved bone and ivory originate from the port of Dieppe in northern France where there was a strong bone and ivory carving tradition since the sixteenth century. Originally a sailor’s hobby, it soon became a successful business and by the second half of the 19^th century, ivory workers of this French port not only made mirrors but also furniture in this technique. There is scant information recorded about the Dieppe ivory industry other than that the craftsmen produced a wide range of usually small carved objects for the growing tourist trade. The frames and the majority of the furniture produced were `veneered' with leaves of carved ivory that were pinned to a wooden carcass.

A pair of similar size and shape with the coat of arms of Scotland was sold Sotheby's, Haute Epoque, 29th October 2008, lot 231 (£39,650).