A Gold, Enamel and Ivory Snuff Box with Concealed Erotic Miniature, Late Nineteenth Century in Earlier Taste

rectangular, the lid and base painted with oval vignettes of harbour scenes including fishermen and boats at full sail, on an opalescent pale pink ground over sunburst engine-turning, within white enamel bead borders, the corners painted to simulate moss agate, framed by chased brightly-coloured flower and bead borders on a sablé ground, the sides with matching decoration, the interior of the lid fitted with a mirror, the base with a small button to the right corner which reveals a shallow hinged compartment inset with an erotic portrait miniature, painted on ivory, French prestige marks including discharge mark for Julien Berthe (1750-1756),

2 ⅜ in., 6 cm wide