A gold and enamel musical box

maker's mark of Joly, Chénevard & Jouvet, Geneva, 1815-20, futher struck: 18K



rectangular, the lid inset with an enamel plaque painted with a view of Mont Blanc and so inscribed, reeded border, the sides and base engine-turned with a honeycomb and rosette design, the geometric and vine borders picked out in dark blue champlevé enamel, the movement playing two tunes

Excellent condition. One base screw lacking. The interior with minor dimpling. The lid border mount is of a slightly different colour gold and possibly later.
"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."

A musical box by the same maker and with the same engine-turned ground sold, Sotheby's London, Treasures from the Rothschild Collection, 12 December 2003, lot 63.  The history of the firm of Joly, Chénevard & Jouvet, first published in that catalogue, is as follows:

Jean-Louis Joly, son of Gabriel and Philippine Bouvière, was christened in Geneva on 27 November 1757. On 4 February 1797 he married Suzanne Madeleine Chodet and is recorded in the Geneva census of 1797 as bijoutier, chez lui at 102/103 rue de Cendrier, with his wife and baby daughter Suzanne.

Salomon Chénevard, son of Michel, was born at Peissy on 12 April 1773. He married Jeanne Christine Cambérouse on 13 October 1794. In the census of 1798, he describes himself as bijoutier and his wife as émailleuse, living in the rue de Temple, Geneva.

Both Joly and Chénevard had been partners in the firm of Roux, Ponçon & Cie., manufacturers of bijouterie, from September 1801 until 1803. They are recorded as entering a first mark in the name of Joly & Chénevard in 1807/8. By 2 November 1815, when this mark was entered from rue de Cendrier 116, they had taken on a younger partner, Pierre Jouvet. In 1820, Joly became commanditaire (sleeping partner) and the firm styled Chénevard, Jouvet & Cie. On Joly's full retirement in 1824, his place was taken by Jouvet's wife, Jacqueline Etienette Guidon, daughter of Joseph Guidon, former associate of the celebrated gold box maker Jean-George Rémond.

It is therefore possible from the makers' mark to date this box between 1815 and 1820.