An early 19th century Swiss gold and enamel snuff box, by Gu...

An early 19th century Swiss gold and enamel snuff box, by Guidon, Gide & Blondet Fils, Geneva, 1801-1804, of rectangular shape with canted corners, the hinged cover enamelled plaque in the manner of Jean-Abraham Lissignol depicting a scene of 'Venus visiting the Forge of Vulcan', after Jean-Baptiste Jouvenet, within white enamel frame and an acanthus ornated taille d'épargne border, the sides and base with zig-zag engine-turning panels, the corners further decorated with flowerhead motifs, blue and white lozenges on a black enamel background, crowned maker's mark 'GGB' incused in cover, measuring 9.0 x 5.7 cm, 115.9 grams.
We believe the enamel to four side panels and the base may have been removed. There is an exposed pin to reverse with loss of enamel around pin, indicating the panel may have been removed for restoration. There has been minor restoration to top right hand corner of the panel. Slight chips, blemishes and small losses of enamel to border and corner panels commensurate with age and usage. Hinge is secure and a good fit. Maker's marks to cover and base, very worn to base, legible to cover but worn.