A THREE-COLOUR GOLD AND ENAMEL SNUFF BOX, PROBABLY 19TH CENTURY IN EARLIER TASTE | A three-colour gold and enamel snuff box, probably 19th century in earlier taste

oval, the lid applied with an enamel plaque representing an allegory of pintura, flanked by a putto, within a chased floral frame and diaper pattern engine turning, within a white and blue enamel garland border between roses on a sablé ground, repeated on the sides and base, French prestige marks, including maker's mark purporting to be that of Pierre Pleyard, charge and export discharge of Jean Baptiste Fouache, date letter L, in a later green leather case

With a label inscribed 'The Fulford collection, nr. B.85'

Overall good condition. A few slight discolorations to the white enamel throughout. A few minute cracks to the white enamel border on the bottom of the side next to the sablé sections.
"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 snuff box was formerly in the collection of the Canadian-born entrepreneur and businessman Frank Harris Fulford (1868-1943). Born in 1868, Fulford was educated in Leipzig and began a career as a music dealer in Brockville in Eastern Ontario. In 1902, he moved to Leeds, the adopted home of his younger brother Charles, who had founded C. E. Fulford Limited in 1899, a company specialising in patent medicines. After the sudden death of Charles in 1906, Frank Fulford took over the business. He was one of the founding members of the Leeds Arts Collection Fund and collected chamber music manuscripts, as well as gold boxes and rare Chinese jade. In 1939, he donated large parts of this magnificent collection to Temple Newsam House in Leeds.