A TWO-COLOUR GOLD PORTRAIT SNUFF BOX, AUGUSTE-GASPARD TURMINE, PARIS, 1780 AND A GOLD-MOUNTED POLLARD WOOD BOX | A two-colour gold portrait snuff box, Auguste-Gaspard Turmine, Paris, 1780 and a gold-mounted pollard wood box

the first circular, the lid inset with a miniature on ivory of a young lady in a blue dress, in the manner of Sicardi, the sides and base engine-turned within gold bead borders, the base further embellished with a rosette, tortoiseshell lining, maker's mark, charge and discharge marks of Henri Clavel, 7.5 cm. 3 in.; and a gold-mounted pollard wood boite à miniature, rectangular, the lid with a miniature on ivory of a lady holding a basket abundant with flowers and seated in front of a rocky landscape, signed: Lombardet, dated 1762, gold scroll thumbpiece and wavy gold mounts, tortoiseshell lining, the mounts with Paris prestige marks, 8.2 cm., 3 1/4 in.

Overall good condition. The miniature in the manner of Sicardi with very minor watermark at two o'clock. The miniature by Lombardet with slight fading throughout, the gold mount of the base of the wood box needs re-fixing, very small humidity spots on the underside of the glass.
"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."

Auguste-Gaspard Turmine became master in Paris on 26 August 1778 sponsored by François Georges. By 1781, he had moved from the rue St-Martin to the rue Bourg-l’Abbé where he remained until his death in 1786. In the death announcement in the Journal de Paris, he was described as marchand orfèvre, bijoutier et tablettier.