A FINE CONTINENTAL SILVER-GILT TOILET BOX, MAKER'S MARK WP OR WB CONJOINED, POSSIBLY DUTCH, CIRCA 1680 |

oval form, detachable cover embossed and chased with Venus and Mars, cupid and amoretti play with his armour, the body also skilfully chased with a band of cupids and putti playing with leafy pendants, maker’s mark only

Maker's mark only to underside. Gilding maybe later but mercury gilding. Very good crisp chasing. Good condition overall.
"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 scene on the cover is after a desIgn by Simon Vouet (1590-1649). See an example in the British Musem (ref. x.6.63). This image of Venus and Mars was widely disseminated in print form after 1638 by Michel Dorigny (1616-1665). Engravings of Simon Vouet images were clearly attractive to goldsmiths as a design source; for example, another Dorigny-made print after Simon Vouet’s Triumph of Galatea of circa 1644, was engraved on a silver basin, Hans Jacob Baur III, Augsburg circa 1685, sold Sothebys Paris, 15 April 2010, lot 207.