An unusual enamel snuff box, probably South German, dated 1753

rectangular, the lid painted in crimson camaïeu with a couple in a landscape, the sides and base with figures in carnival dress strolling along canal walks, the base with Pantalone, the lid interior painted in polychrome with a gentleman about to join a lady in her gondola, the base interior inscribed and dated in crimson: Venetia 1753, reeded gilt-metal mounts waved on the interior

haircracks to lid more visible on the interior with some filling in; underside worn losing a complete figure; overall very interesting and charming. The painting on the exterior is very fine but the colouring of the interior of the lid is lively but somewhat less accomplished and there have evidently been some firing problems. For all sales which take place on or after 1 February 2015, please note that the rate of buyer's premium for each lot (charged as a percentage of the hammer price achieved for that lot) has been revised and shall be calculated at the thresholds set out below: Buyer's premium is 25% of the hammer price up to and including £100,000; Buyer's premium is 20% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £100, 000 up to and including £1,800,000; Buyer's premium is 12% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £1,800,000. As stated above, the revised thresholds are effective as of 1 February 2015.
"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."

This box is of particular interest as, most unusually, it is inscribed with a date and place referring directly to the Venice carnival of 1753, and so presumably was specially commissioned. The figures on the sides are seen wearing the 'bauta' or carnival dress with white mask, black tricorn and cloak. Although the box is most probably of German origin, there are certain elements such as the way the box is inscribed, the colours on the lid interior, the arrangement of the figures on the lid exterior and the gilt-metal mounts which are more reminiscent of the work created in England at that date.