A FRENCH SILVER-GILT AND ENAMEL CASKET SET WITH JEWELS AND CAMEOS, PAUL RIGAUX & PIERRE LEBLANC, PARIS, CIRCA 1850 |

rectangular with incurved angles, decorated with champlevé arabesques in partly translucent colors, topped by a sculptural group of St. George slaying the dragon, both with baroque pearl bodies and set with rubies and emeralds, the front mounted with a gold-framed enamel scene of a Turkish stag hunt, the angles mounted with  free-standing Renaissance figures, the back and sides mounted with cartouches  surrounded by clusters of garnet grapes with green enamel leaves and swags of fruit and flowers, the lid applied with a band of running ivy with pearl and red amber berries and with four sardonyx cameos of classical profile busts at the angles, all  mounted with baroque pearls, irregular large turquoises, cabochon ambers and pearls, on four paw feet

Leland Little, North Carolina, September 17, 2011, lot 242

Losses to enamel on projecting leaves, several pearls missing and possibly a leaf from foliage on lid and on base rim, otherwise good
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Paul Rigaux and Pierre Leblanc worked as jewelers, 1845-51, at 184 Rue St. Honore, Paris. Pierre-Paul Rigaux is listed at the same address as maker of jewelry and “fantaisie.”  He is joined, still at the same address, by Auguste Billiet as makers of “fantaisie” until 1853, while Pierre-Paul Rigaux continued until 1870 (Catherine Arminjon et al, Dictionnaire des poinçons de fabricants d’ouvrages d’or et d’argent de Paris et de la Seine, marks nos. 3551, 3591 and 3626).