A GOLD SNUFF BOX, NOEL HARDIVILLIERS, PARIS, 1764/5 | A gold snuff box, Noel Hardivilliers, Paris, 1764/5

of ingot form, the lid, sides and base diaper engine-turned within Greek key borders, maker's mark, charge and discharge marks of Jean-Jacques Prévost, Paris date letter for 1764/5

hinge repaired; very worn at corners but a good solid correct box
"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."

Noel Hardivilliers (1704-1779) is one of the iconic figures of the Parisian gold box trade, becoming master in 1729. His early works feature a magisterial use of hardstones within delicate gold cagework mounts, moving through a fascination with engine-turning on plain gold, as displayed on this box, to work in combination with the leading French enamellers such as Le Sueur (Charles Truman, The Wallace Collection Catalogue of Gold Boxes, London, 2013, nos. 12 and 16). Hardivilliers retired to Auteuil in 1771, dying there eight years later.