bonbonnière en or et émail par Joseph-Etienne Blerzy, Paris, 1779

le couvercle et le dessous ornés au centre de médaillons peints de camaïeux rouge en plein de trophées de l'Amour, sur fond guilloché en pointes de diamants, les bordures alternant grains en émail opalescent et fleurettes vertes ou guirlandes ceintes d'entrelacs de rubans, poinçon de maître, poinçons de charge et décharge de J.B. Fouache, la bordure numérotée 833

the lid and base with central medallions painted en plein in crimson camaïeu with trophies of love against a diamond engine-turned ground, the borders of alternating opalescent beads and green enamelled florettes or garlands within interlaced ribbons, maker's mark, charge and discharge marks of J.B. Fouache, the rim numbered: 833, in fitted shagreen case stamped post-1855 for: Hancock / 39 Bruton Street

Excellent crisp condition. Very minor chip to shagreen on base of outer case
"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."

Joseph-Etienne Blerzy was apprenticed on 27 February 1750 to François-Joachim aubert, a goldsmith who specialised in mounting tortoiseshell and lacquer snuff boxes. Aubert also acted as sponsor in 1768 when Berzy became master, from the pont au Change. His shop, under the sign of the 'ville de Leipzig', remained on the bridge until 1785 when all the houses were pulled down to widen the road. He then moved to the rue de la Monnaie 41, and sometime before 1798 to the rue du Coq St. Honoré where he is recorded in the Almanach de Commerce in 1806 with his brother Etienne-Lucien. In 1808, Etienne-Lucien's widow (Victoire Boisot) takes over the business so presumably by that date Joseph-Etienne has either retired or is also dead after a long career as one of the most prolific and technically-accomplished late eighteenth century Parisian gold box makers.