BY ADRIEN-JEAN-MAXIMILIEN VACHETTE (FL. 1753-1839), MARKED, PARIS, 1787/1788, WITH THE SECOND CHARGE AND DECHARGE MARKS OF HENRY CLAVEL 1782-1789, THE FLANGE ENGRAVED 'ETIENNE NITOT A PARIS'

Details

A LOUIS XVI PARCEL-ENAMELLED GOLD BONBONNIÈRE SET WITH A PORTRAIT MINIATURE
BY ADRIEN-JEAN-MAXIMILIEN VACHETTE (FL. 1753-1839), MARKED, PARIS, 1787/1788, WITH THE SECOND CHARGE AND DECHARGE MARKS OF HENRY CLAVEL 1782-1789, THE FLANGE ENGRAVED 'ETIENNE NITOT A PARIS'
circular bonbonnière, the cover, sides and base with panels of concentric wavy engine-turning stamped at intervals with flowerheads, the borders with dark-blue enamel scrolling foliage and berries, the cover later set with a glazed oval portrait miniature, on ivory, of Napoleon I (1769-1821), Emperor of France 1804-1815, within a chased gold frame and sablé surround, the interior of the cover with later applied glazed gold circular frame containing a lock of hair
3 1/8 in. (78 mm.) diam.

Provenance

The Property of a Nobleman; Christie's, London, 27 March 1985, lot 66.

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Brought to you by

Victoria Drummond

vdrummond@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2699

Lot Essay

Marie-Étienne Nitot (1750-1809) was a French jeweller, the official jeweller to the Emperor Napoleon and founder of the House of Chaumet. Nitot's family was originally from Château-Thierry. He started his career in 1780 as an apprentice to Aubert, court jeweller to Queen Marie-Antoinette. He survived the French Revolution and, in 1802, was appointed jeweller to Emperor Napoleon.

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