A gold and enamel snuff box, probably J.F Bautte & Cie, Geneva, 1826-1837

of  faceted elongated form with rounded ends, each panel decorated in opaque and translucent enamels with colourful polychrome friezes of flowers on a black  ground, frilly gold mounts, the thumbpiece picked out with garlands, unmarked apart from  later-struck control mark

very pretty snuff box, stunning colours, loss to a few enamelled flowers at each end but otherwise good condition.
"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."

Even though this snuff box is not marked or signed, its delicate and colourful friezes of flowers, standing out on a opaque black enamel ground, are typical of J.F. Bautte's production. For two snuff boxes of identical form, one enamelled on white, the other on matt gold, both signed: J.F. Bautte & Cie, see Sotheby's Paris, 29 April 2009, lot 4 and Christie's New York, 2 June 2004, lot 2.

Jean-François Bautte (1772-1837) was the best-known of the Geneva bijoutiers-horlogers in the early 19th century. Son of an enameller, he was formally apprenticed first to Moulinié & Blanchot, watchcase makers, and then apparently training in all the different branches of watchmaking. He registered his first company in 1796.  He then went into partnership with Jean-Gabriel Moynier (1772-1840) for a 'commerce d'horlogerie et bijouterie', under the name of Moulinié, Bautte & Moynier. The firm was continued under the name J.F. Bautte & Cie. until 1855 despite Jean-François's death in 1837. The firm had grown rapidly in size and importance, already employing 90 in-house and outside workers in 1810, and exporting to Europe, China and Turkey.