A four-colour gold snuff box, L.P. Barbier or N.P. Bricart, Paris, 1774/5

oval, the lid with a central oval panels chased with amorous trophies, the lid, sides and base moiré engine-turned within acanthus borders, maker's mark, charge marks of J. Alaterre and J.B. Fouache, date letter L for 1774/5, discharge and contremarque of J.B. Fouache

Excellent crisp condition. Interior base and side with Alaterre marks; lid and rim with Fouache marks. This is perfectly normal for a changeover year.
"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."

Only the second two letters of the makers mark are legible which means that it could be either that of Louis-Philippe Barbier or Nicolas-Pierre Bricart, both of whom are known to have made gold boxes. Barbier had entered his mark in 1764, sponsored by Jean Lambert Payen, another gold worker, but died in 1777. Bricart entered his mark in July 1774, a few days after the commencement of date letter L. In 1776 he was imprisoned for illegally marking snuff boxes of below-standard gold but evidently was allowed to continue in business as he is last recorded in 1807.