Boîte à miniature en poudre d'écaille et or de deux couleurs, Paris, 1768-1774

ronde, à décor de rayures en or rose sur bleu marine, les bordures en or jaune de fleurs et rubans, le couvercle orné d'une miniature représentant la vue d'un lac avec personnages et église, doublée d'écaille, décharge de Julien Alaterre et poinçon de la généralité (1768-1774) 

circular, the lid set with a miniature depicting a village and figures by a lake, striped gold ornament within stamped gold mounts, tortoiseshell-lined, discharge of Julien Alaterre and poinçon de la généralité (1768-1774)

some gold ornament raised and some sections of inlay lacking, some pins probably replaced, miniature badly affected by damp and crusty mould; a split to gold rim of lid, some pins missing and gold mounts loose and fragile.
"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."