A LOUIS XVI THREE-COLOUR GOLD SNUFF-BOX

A LOUIS XVI THREE-COLOUR GOLD SNUFF-BOX
BY JEAN-LOUIS DÉSIR (FL. 1771-1793), MARKED, PARIS, 1774/1775, WITH THE CHARGE AND DISCHARGE MARKS OF JEAN-BAPTISTE FOUACHE 1774-1780, LATER STRUCK WITH TWO FRENCH POST-1838 RESTRICTED WARRANTY MARKS FOR GOLD
Oval box, the cover, sides and base of polished gold within fluted borders, the lid centred with an oval reserve chased in four-colour gold with trophies of Harvest and Gardening, the borders of the lid and base chased with green gold laurel swags entwining scrolls on sablé ground, the rim chased with tasseled curtain swags, flowers and Doric pilasters, the sides with octagonal panels bordered with lyre and laurel swag chased pilasters, the lower border chased with ovolos and flowerheads
3½ in. (88 mm.) wide
3¾ oz. (106 gr.)