A rare hardstone appliqué snuff box with two-colour gold mounts, ** Hoffman, probably Berlin, circa 1770
A rare hardstone appliqué snuff box with two-colour gold mounts, ** Hoffman, probably Berlin, circa 1770
rectangular, the lid and body of carefully-chosen translucent banded agate, applied on the lid with a cluster of brightly-coloured hardstone and stained glass ladybirds and beetles confronting a fly within a delicate gold tracery of leaves, ribbons and turquoise flowers, the thumbpiece centred with a radiating star, wavy gold mount and footrim, the front with a battle between an elaborately carved stag-beetle and two flies, the sides with bright butterflies dancing on the creamy waves of agate, the base signed in a curve of the stone: Hoffman F., in a fitted 19th century velvet-lined leather case,
7.9cm., 3 1/8 in. wide
A fascinating box in remarkable condition, especially bearing in mind the fragility of the technique;
the star-shaped centre of the thumbpiece probably later added to make it easier to open the box; along the bevelled edges of the panels there are the most miniscule nicks which derive from the time of assembly; some insignificant losses to the small fillings on the tips of the insects' legs on the front side
"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."