A three-colour gold snuff box, Jean-Marie Tiron, Paris, 1770

oval, the lid, sides and base decorated with engine-turned panels within chased interlaced ribbon and flower borders on a sablé ground, maker's mark, charge and discharge marks of Julien Alaterre (1768-1774), Paris date letter

Famille de Montesquieu;
thence by descent

Overall excellent condition, exterior with very little wear, interior, two very small pinprick dents not visible on the exterior. The flowers - rose, mallow, convulvus etc. have been used most imaginatively for such a simple box as have the Rocaille ruffles on the side dividers.
"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."

Jean-Marie Tiron, called Tiron de Nanteuil or Le Cadet, became master in 1748 sponsored by Jean Briceau. In 1749 he entered into partnership with his brother François-Guillaume, but set up independently between 1754 and 1756, at the sign of La Pomme de diamants, rue Saint-Louis, under the name 'Tiron de Nanteuil, marchand-orfèvre joaillier'. In 1761 he acquired the business of Jean Ducrollay and moved into his house on the Place Dauphine. He seems, however, to have continued some form of partnership with Ducrollay and in December 1764, the firm is referred to as 'Tiron and Ducrollay'. His production was considerable and he claimed payment of 8,953 livres for jewels executed for the Dauphine Marie-Josèphe de Saxe at her death in 1767. In 1773, he is described as ancien bijoutier du Roy so it must be assumed that he had retired by that date; a posthumous sale of his stock took place on 28-29 May 1793. For further information, see C. Truman, The Wallace Collection, Catalogue of Snuffboxes, 2013, p. 346.