Three similar French gold snuff boxes, Paris, circa 1820

all engine-turned within foliate borders, comprising: a late Empire book-form box, Marie-Françoise-Antoinette Lejeune, 1809-19, with leather etui; a rectangular box, Simon-Achille Léger, c. 1820; and a rare square box, maker's mark unclear, c. 1820

Bernard Franck Collection, Paris, early 20th century

the interior cover of the book form box fitted with a later mirror; rectangular Léger box with small dents to two corners; all with tight hinges and in overall 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

M. Bernard Franck (1848-1924) was an industrialist specializing in the manufacture of military equipment and a veteran of the War of 1870, where he won the medaille militaire.  His first collection, of arms, uniforms, and military insignia, was an outgrowth of his profession and experience, but he expanded into miniatures, objets de Vertu, and historical relics.  At the Exposition Universelle of 1900, the display of carnets and etuis from the Franck collection was acquired by J.P. Morgan for the Metropolitan Museum.  After the collector’s death, much of the collection was dispersed in a series of five sales in the early 1930s.  In the first catalogue, of Objets de Vitrine, Henry Nocq wrote that Bernard Franck “was without doubt one of the most determined collectors of the modern day, but determined with discernment.”