A Gold, Enamel and Ivory Snuff Box, Joseph-Etienne Blerzy, Paris, 1781/1782

oval, the lid set with an oval glazed portrait miniature of a gentleman, painted on ivory, on a blue and white vermiculated enamel ground, the gold mounts decorated with opalescent beads alternating with translucent green enamel quatrefoils, the sides and base similarly decorated, maker's mark, first set of charge and discharge marks of Henri Clavel (1780-1782), Paris date letter S for 1781, the left rim numbered 198

Length 3 ⅜ in.

8.4 cm

This lot contains ivory. Commercial trade in ivory is regulated by multiple governments and international organizations around the world, including through prohibitions, restrictions, and individual circumstances and the relevant auction / sale. Sotheby's therefore recommends that, before taking any action in relation to a potential purchase or handling of an ivory item, buyers obtain advice on the regimes and requirements applicable to them. Sotheby's will also not conduct any applications for buyers for exemption certificates, CITES licenses, registrations, or similar that may be required, including renewal or update of the same, or arrange or import or export permits needed for international shipping. A buyer's inability or delay to obtain necessary documentation, or lawfully arrange the export or import of the lot will not justify sale cancellation or a delay in payment.