A gold-mounted composition boîte à portrait, Paris, 1768-1774

the lid inset with a miniature of a gentleman, French school, circa 1770, with powdered hair and wearing a pink coat, the gold frame formerly lifting to reveal a miniature or compartment, striped pink and gold ground within interlaced borders, tortoiseshell lining, discharge mark of Julien Alaterre, Paris, 1768-1774

Miniature well-painted but has damp mould on glass above head and to left of head. Frame hinge no longer functioning and frame has been resoldered and repaired in several places with vacant pinholes. All gold borders have knocks dents and repining. Composition has some craquelure with minor chips and scratching.2 Weight: 63.5 gr. 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."