A tortoiseshell boîte-à-miniature with silver-mounts, Dutch or English, early 18th century

This lot contains endangered species. Sotheby's recommends that buyers check with their own government regarding any importation requirements prior to placing a bid. Please note that Sotheby's will not assist buyers with the shipment of this lot to the US. A buyer's inability to export or import these lots cannot justify a delay in payment or sale cancellation.

The depicted vessels, which all have Dutch pennants, are of a construction which was commonly used from the middle ages until the 19^th century by Dutch seafaring fishermen. Known as a herring buss (haringbuis) or a Dogger boat, they commonly operated in the North Sea.