A FOUR-COLOUR GOLD SNUFF BOX, NICOLAS DELIONS, PARIS, 1755 |

rectangular, chased with posies and sprays of flowers on a sunray ground within borders of ribbons and garlands, maker's mark, charge and discharge marks of Eloi Brichard, Paris date letter for 1755

hinge redone; wear on base and corners; otherwise good impression
"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."

Nicolas Delions was apprenticed in 1721, at the age of sixteen, to Antoine Denis Viaucourt, later his sponsor in 1736 when he was received master from rue Pierre au lard. He is recorded as working in the cour Lamoignon between 1748 and 1759, the same year that he sponsored his son Nicolas-Augustin, better known for creating sealing wax cases. Delions senior acted as warden to the company in 1758 and 1759 and in May 1765 the wardens certify that he has returned his marks, confirming in 1768 that he had left his shop. On 8 March 1777, les affiches de Paris announce the burial at St Barthélemy of Nicolas Delions, late warden of the goldsmiths’ company, quai des Morfondus. (Henri Nocq, Le poinçon de Paris, Paris, 1926-1931, vol. ii, p. 57).