Three Continental gold and enamel needle cases, Swiss or Hanau, circa 1790-1800

the first of quiver form, applied with filigree and enamel plaques, hinged top mounted with feathered arrows, with later French control marks; the second with champlevé striped turquoise enamel, inscribed "Souvenir d'Amitié", with French control marks for foreign work; the third with translucent lavendar enamel decorated with gold stars, maker's mark FJ script crowned, with pseudo Paris marks, probably Hanau

Bernard Franck Collection, Paris, early 20th century

first good; second with two minor losses to enamel on side and to the top; the third with three chips to lavender panels
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.”