A JEWELLED FOUR-COLOUR GOLD SNUFF BOX WITH INTEGRATED TIMEPIECE, PROBABLY HANAU, CIRCA 1775

A JEWELLED FOUR-COLOUR GOLD SNUFF BOX WITH INTEGRATED TIMEPIECE, PROBABLY HANAU, CIRCA 1775

oval, the lid with an elaborate engine-turned moiré pattern, within a chased border of flowers alternating with wreath ornaments and scrolls on a sablé ground, centred with a chased hinged medallion representing musical trophies, opening to reveal the enamel dial with Roman numerals and diamond-set hands and bezel, flanked by engraved and pierced double-screwed cocks for the open mainspring with visible stop-work and a plain steel three-arm balance to the cylinder escapement; the sides with chased flower-filled urns below ribbons on a sablé ground as dividers, alternating with moiré engine-turning, below a two-tiered rim chased in lively fashion with baskets of flowers and garlands above a colonnade, centred by a female mask, a small button above opening the hinged lid to reveal the movement, within exuberant openwork scrolls with integrated retailer's signature: Marchand fils A Paris, maker's mark AP above a flowerhead within leafy sprigs
8.5cm., 3⅜in. wide

Condition Report:
Extremely smart box in excellent condition; one very fine surface tear of circa 5 mm length to the right side only.
Watch movement complete and would just run at cataloguing, but would benefit from a light professional clean and service.
Sotheby's does not guarantee the functioning of the movement.

"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."