A very fine Empire ladies' necessaire with musical mechanism, Palais Royal, made for the Russian market circa 1820

the exterior veneered on all sides in mother-of-pearl, engraved with flowers and floral festoons, the finely tooled ormolu framework raised on lion paws and ball feet, the interior fitted with a mirror, an inkwell and a sander with gilt-metal tops, various implements for writing, sewing and perfume flasks accommodated in an insert, of steel and mounted in gold, stamped with French gold marks, two pairs of scissors with maker's mark of Antione Beauvisage, Paris, some handles of mother-of-pearl, also fitted on the inside with a musical mechanism numbered 710 playing one of two tunes with a 9-cm cylinder on a multi-piece comb, the mechanism contained in a tin box

As passed down in the family and according to a label affixed to the underside, this nécessaire comes from the estate of the Fürstin Lieven. This refers most probably to Dorothea Fürstin von Lieven (1784-1857), by birth von Benckendorff, wife of the Russian general Christoph Fürst von Lieven, Russian ambassador in London 1812 to 1834. The Tsarina declared Dorothea Fürstin von Lieven in 1828 a Dame of Honour and in 1834 she gained her own position at the Russian court. At the end of her life she lived in Paris and her Salon in the former Hôtel Talleyrand served as a meeting point for European diplomacy.

Thence by descent in the family of the present owner.

In overall good condition. Exterior mounts lightly rubbed, few minor flaws and fissures to the mother-of-pearl panels. Small crack to the left rim of lower left panel to the cover. Upper right panel with very minor loss to the mother-of-pearl (hardly visible). Back left foot and related mounts slightly warped. The insert with fitted tools probably missing a needle cushion, the covers for inkwell and sander distinctly different in style to the tools, some turquoise beads have been replaced. Minor stains and wear to the fabric. Musical mechanism able to function, two teeth broken, needs to be tuned, one screw holding the movement to the necessaire lacking. Two keys available.
"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."

This beautifully crafted and neatly fitted nécessaire is typical of early 19th century Parisian manufactures sold in the fashionable shops of the Palais Royal, just above the Louvre.
The same attractive combination of engraved mother-of-pearl set within carefully tooled ormolu borders is characteristic of this fine production.