MARK OF JACQUES-FELIX VIENNOT, PARIS, 1797-1809

The box is marked also with the post-Revolutionary unofficial standard mark for 20.5 karat gold, a boy's head with the number 2. Charles Truman notes this mark was probably introduced in 1797, the same period in which goldsmiths in France were required to register a new mark within a lozenge. Truman speculates this unofficial standard mark, and one for 18 karat gold, may reflect attempts by Parisian goldsmiths to preserve their independence and traditions following the introduction of national makers' and standard marks. (see: Charles Truman, The Gilbert Collection of Gold Boxes, 1991, p. 122)