A Louis XV gilt-bronze mounted tulipwood and amaranth marquetry jewellery casket on stand circa 1765-1770, by Pierre Roussel

the leather inset fall opening to reveal three interior fitted drawers, stamped ROUSSEL 

François Quéré, Les Roussel: Une Dynastie d´ébénistes au XVIIIe siécle. Dijon. 2012, pp.148-149 (ill.)

This piece is in restored condition. The gadrooned gilt brass border is present but unattached and with their pins present as well, waiting to be re-fixed. The frieze drawer is currently locked and there is no key present. The interior drawers have been later blue painted to each interior. The hinges to fall front door are replaced. The veneers were restored and the stand was probably partly re-veneered. The stamp is located on the stand's front rail
"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."

This elegant casket shows the turn of the sinuous lines of the Louis XV style towards the emergence of neoclassical designs, which allow us to date it from circa 1765-1770. The use of rich tulipwood 45 degree cut veneers framed within green stained banding with interlaced corners reminiscent of Greek key, together with a parsimonious use of bronze mounts result in a very sophisticated design. The dating and quality of it suggest that it was produced in Pierre Roussel’s atelier for his son’s Pierre-Michel shop, specialised in luxury items, in rue Saint-Honoré.

Pierre Roussel, received Master in 1745, was the son of an ébéniste and settled in the rue de Charenton. Between 1775 and 1780, he worked for the Prince de Condé and supplied him with 10,000 livres worth of furniture. The inventory after Roussel's death reveals that a large amount of furniture was in tulipwood, marquetry, bois satiné or amaranth and many pieces were in lacquer and there were examples in geometric marquetry or parquetry as well as floral motifs and landscapes. He also employed the services of the bronziers Turchin, Ravrio and the gilder Trufot. Both his sons, Pierre Michel and Pierre II were also maitre-ébénistes and continued his father’s business.