A jewelled tortoiseshell and gold Imperial portrait snuff box, Paris, 1819-1838, retailed by Martial Bernard, 1826-1838

rectangular, the lid inset with an oval miniature of Napoleon Bonaparte, French school, circa 1810-1815, wearing orders and the uniform of the Chasseurs à Cheval de la Garde, within a narrow gold frame, the ground applied with four collet-set pastes within rose diamond tracery, gold thumbpiece and lining, maker's mark illegible, Paris 3e titre et garantie for 1819-1838, the front rim inscribed: Mal. Bernard, Joaillier de la Maison du Roi à Paris and numbered on left rim: No. 1652

The Tronson du Coudray family;
thence by descent

The portrait appears in very good condition apart from dust/mould between surface and glazing. The jewelled portions need professional cleaning. The lid has been split at top left corner leading to lack of gold threading (visible on image) and to further damage along top rim. There is also slight damage along bottom rim of lid; lid has been rejoined slightly unevenly to mount leaving a gap on the right side; small chip to front rim. Base 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."

The Tronson du Coudray family was a prominent family in Rouen in the 18th century. Nicolas Tronson, seigneur du Coudray, was a merchant and alderman of the city. He had 10 children, among them Philippe Charles Jean Baptiste (1738-1777). A protégé of the military engineer Jean-Baptiste Gribeauval (1715-1789), he was member of the Academie scientifique and Chef de brigade d'artillerie, for which positions he studied and wrote essays to improve the French artillery. In 1777, he went to America with 43 men and 22 cannons  to help the army of George Washington. He, however, drowned in September of that year and is buried in the Church of Saint Mary in Philadelphia. Philippe's brother, Guillaume Alexandre (1750-1798), was a lawyer in Paris. His most famous plea was on behalf of Marie-Antoinette but his support for the Royal family led to his imprisonment. After Bonaparte's coup d'état in 1798, he was deported to Guyane where he died. Two streets are named after him, one in Reims and one in Paris (8e arrondissement). Their sister married Claude Ruinart (1731-1798) , member of the famous Champagne family. Their son, Irené, was maire de Reims, deputé et gentilhomme a la cour de Charles X.

In 1824 the retailer Jean-Benoit-Martial Bernard (1784-1846) became the partner of Henry Gibert, with whom he had worked since 1812. Two years later he set up in business on his own account at rue de la Paix, no. 1. He was appointed Joaillier de la Maison du Roi, working for all the royal family, and also acted as fournisseur du Ministère des Affaires Etrangères. This last was an important position as he was commissioned to produce all the official presents, snuff boxes, rings, pencils, tie pins and decorations, given to ambassadors and illustrious visitors to the Court.