A palais royal mother of pearl necessaire containing jewelled silver-gilt implements, retailed by Pierre-Dominique Maire, Paris, 1809-1819

of shell form, silver-gilt mounts, the lid and underside naturalistically carved and engraved with garlands, on two scroll feet, containing a cream velvet tray fitted with twelve silver-gilt implements set with pearls and coral with engraved swirling ornament: two pairs of scissors, a penknife, a paper knife, a scent bottle, a tape measure holder, a desk seal, a needle case, a thimble, two awls, a corkscrew, a finger guard, the interior engraved: 'Maire/ Fab[rican]t de Necessaires, Rue S^t Honoré N. 154', the mounts maker's mark of Pierre-Noël Blaquière, French 2e titre et garantie 1809-1819

Does not close fully. The mother of pearl underside loose, a few mother-of-pearl panels along rim slightly damaged or ill-fitting. The velvet and silk liners showing time wear. Implements with some coral ornaments replaced or damaged. one pair of scissors lacking a coral inset, bodkin lacking. Otherwise overall fine condition. A charming necessaire.
"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."

Pierre-Dominique Maire (circa 1763-1827) was a Parisian "fabricant de necessaires" during the Revolution and First Empire, and a direct competitor of Martin-Guillaume Biennais, silversmith to Napoleon I. A necessaire by Maire was shown at the château de Malmaison during the 2007-2008 exhibition, Indispensable necessaires,and another is in the Kunstgewerbemuseum in Berlin. Pierre-Noël Blaquière recorded his mark in 1803-1804, from 174 rue St-Honoré, specialising in smallwork (bijouterie), and mainly supplying silver implements for desk sets and to Maire for his necessaires (see Indispensables Necessaires,  exhibition catalogue, musées des châteaux de Malmaison et de Bois-Préau, RMN, 2007).