FRANCE, mid-18th century - Lot 1

FRANCE, mid-18th century Beautiful oval snuffbox in five-tone (green, yellow, white and red on pinkish-yellow) gold (750), decorated on all sides with bouquets of flowers au naturel, on a grooved background, in cartouches with scrolled and molded frames. Hinged lid. Goldsmith's hallmark (worn): Jean DUCROLLAY (1709- 1770), received Master in Paris in 1734, settled rue Lamoignon, then place Dauphine from 1748, and active until 1761. PARIS, Charge mark [tête de boeuf] for 1750-1756 and Jurande mark [p] for 1755-1756. Weight: 131.2 g. - 37 x 73.5 x 56 mm. Some wear and scratches, including one on the lid, tiny small knocks; small play of the lid on the rabbet. We thank Mr. Philippe SERRET for confirming the identity of the silversmith. A rectangular snuffbox (38 x 81 x 59 mm) by this silversmith, with similar decoration on a radiating background, dating from 1754-1755, is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York [Inv. 1977.228.2]. Another snuffbox, also rectangular (Larg. 80 mm / 216 g.), with a radiating background and dating from 1754-1755, was sold at Christie's in London. Christie's, London, on July 3, 2019.