A gold and agate snuff box, Adrien-Jean-Maximilien Vachette, Paris, 1798-1809

rectangular, the lid inset with an oval bevelled banded brown 'eye' agate medallion, within scrolling foliage finely chased on a sablé ground, the sides and base with patterned engine-turned panels within similarly chased borders, the bezel engraved:Vachette, Bijoutier à Paris', maker's mark, Paris 20ct standard (bady's head and coq 2e titre), moyenne garantie, later French control mark (eagle's head)

Famille de Montesquieu;
thence by descent

excellent condition. superb example of Vachette's production.
"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."

Adrien-Jean-Maximilien Vachette is one of the best known Parisian goldsmiths working at the end of the 18th century and at the troubled time of the French revolution. Vachette was trained in Paris, possibly by the celebrated Royal Goldsmith Pierre-Francois Drais who sponsored him when he became master in 1779. Following the Revolution, he resumed his profession and worked with the best goldsmiths of the time, Marie-Etienne Nitot during the First Empire and Charles Ouizille at the restoration of the monarchy. He certainly produced many interesting and unusual boxes, now scattered among eminent public and private collections, such as the Louvre and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection.