A gold snuffbox, Ignaz Josef Schmidt, Vienna, 1805

of cut-cornered rectangular form, decorated overall with reeded engine-turned panels within a band of foliage on a matted ground, later inscription inside the lid: 'Les Precieuses ridicules, 28 Janvier 1910', maker's mark, Vienna control mark and date

Excellent condition apart from slight surface scratches to lid, would benefit from professional cleaning.
"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."

A film based on this comedy by Molière was released in January 1910 in Paris; the leading actors being Georges Berr, André Brunot,  Béatrix Dussane and Jeanne Provost. The critics were very enthusiastic, ' Les interprètes, l’auteur et M. André Brunet [sic] donnent avec une verve et un esprit intarissables la réplique à Mlles Dussane et Provost, les charmantes et talentueuses pensionnaires de la Comédie-Française.' (Association Française de Recherche sur l’Histoire du Cinéma (AFRHC)), 1895, p.335-340.

Ignaz Joseph Schmidt was the son of the goldsmith Joseph Wolfgang Schmidt (1769-1811), with whom he worked between 1802 and 1811. A Court jeweller, he seems to have been active until 1836.