A French parcel-gilt silver, enamel, and gem-set jewel casket, Frederic-Jules Rudolphi, Paris, the plaque designed by Geoffroy Deschaumes, circa 1860

the top with a fully modeled scene of a sleeping warrior and a woman standing behind with a sword (Judith and Holofernes?) enhanced with baroque pearls and rubies, with a scent urn with chained top to one side, deeply modeled border of woodland creatures in foliage, lifting off to reveal an oval panel chased with the Toilet of Venus, lifting to reveal a vinaigrette compartment with flower-pierced grill, flanked by poppies set with stones and the whole lifting to reveal a lined compartment; the sides with panels of black and white enamel Arabesques with dragons at the angles, the lower border matching and with pull-out drawer, openwork cartouche-form feet

Purchased by the American wife of an English aristocrat in the late 19th century

cover has tripod base in back left corner, suggesting there was another element to match flask on right; glass gems slightly crissled, losses to enamel on base band, keyhole mount loose, drawer was probably originally fabric-lined. All still minor, overall impressive thing and amazing workmanship
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Frédéric-Jules Rudolphi (1808-c. 1872) worked first in Copenhagen before joining Charles Wagner in Paris and registering his first mark in 1842.  At Wagner's death he took over the workshop, and at the 1844 Exposition des Produits de l'Industrie a perfume bottles was selected for the Schools of Design collection, which evolved into the Victoria and Albert Museum; Rudophi's vase was one of the Museum's earliest acquisitions.  His works for the Crystal Palace Exhibition earned him a medal at that fair and the Legion d'Honneur.  Here he showed the "Toilet of Venus" casket, with the same Deschaumes-designed plaque as on the current casket.  Purchased by the Victoria and Albert Museum for £28, it was later copied by Elkington.

Rudolphi won a silver medal at the Exposition Universelle of 1855, with two of his chasers getting honorable mention, and the V&A made yet another acquisition with a gem-set silver tankard that was included in the 1978-79 exhibition The Second Empire (no. III-11).  At the 1862 International Exhibition in London he showed a shield made for the King of Denmark and won another medal..  At the 1867 Exhibition in Paris Rudolphi received a silver medal and his chef ciseleur, Léon Binder, won an honorable mention; by 1872 his mark was cancelled.