trois boites, XVIIIe siecle

la première en vermeil, probablement Allemagne, vers 1740, en forme de cartouche, gravée d'une chasse au cerf, le couvercle orné d'un compartiment à charnière serti postérieurement d'une montre, le mouvement gravé: Girod London, avec sa clé, 7,5 cm, 3 in ; la seconde, une boîte à poudre ronde, la monture en or à cage encadrant des panneaux de verre aventuriné bleu, par Jean-Auguste Lorentz, Paris, 1784, charge et discharge de H. Clavel, diam. 6 cm, 2 3/8 in ; et un étui à cure-dents guilloché en or de quatre couleurs, le couvercle orné d'un médaillon en ivoire serti d'une gerbe de blé faite de cheveux et attachée par un lien de diamants, poinçon de maître effacé, poinçons de charge et décharge de J.B. Fouache, Paris, 1776, 9, 2 cm, 3 5/8 in
the first, probably German, circa 1740, cartouche form, engraved with a stag hunt, on a diaper-pattern ground, the lid with hinged compartment  later inset with an associated watch, the movement inscribed: Girod London, the base and rim inscribed, with key, 7,5 cm, 3 in ; the second, a circular powder box, the wreath-stamped gold cage work mounts enclosing panels of blue aventurine glass, Jean-Auguste Lorentz, Paris, 1784, charge and discharge marks of Henri Clavel, diam. 6 cm, 2 3/8 in ; and a four-colour gold toothpick case, the lid inset with an ivory medallion applied with a jewelled hair sheaf of corn, the ground engine-turned within interlaced borders, lid mirror-lined, maker's mark rubbed, charge and discharge mark of Jean-Baptiste Fouache, Paris, 1776, 9, 2 cm, 3 5/8 in

First: worn, the enamel dial with Arabic outter and Roman inner chapter ring, chipped around keyhold and knop, movement not currently functionning, the spandrel with later engraving, the key is probably associated. Second: in good condition with very slight denting to outter rims, marked on sides and base. Third: in excellent crisp condition although there is mould and damp damage to medallion. Mirror is showing backing
"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."

The base of the first item inscribed: G. 1499 G; the rim inscribed:Gl 13.

Jean-Auguste Lorentz became master of the Goldsmiths' Guild on 22 August 1781. He was one of 49 admitted on that day by letters-patent following the amalgamation of the lapidaires (of whom Lorentz had become master in 1773) with the orfèvres-joailliers. He was sponsored by Jean-Claude Bourcevet, himself admitted from the lapidaires under the same rules a few weeks earlier but cautioned by the gold box maker Jean-Marie Tiron, then in retirement. Lorentz specialised in mounting macédoine and aventurine glass boxes for which there seems to have been a fashion in Paris in the year 1784.