A gold-mounted burgau shell and ivory boîte-à-miniatures, Paris, 1787/1788 and later, the miniatures by Jean-Jacques de Gault

of shaped oval form, all sides set with ivory panels painted en camaïeu brun with the Triumph of Bacchus and subjects from the Antique, that on the base signed with initials JJG for Jacques-Joseph de Gault and dated 1788, within lobes of burgau pearl, the stepped later gold mounts decorated with dark blue taille d'épargne enamel foliage, illegible maker's mark, second charge and discharge marks of Henri Clavel (1782-1789), rubbed date letter for 1787/8, the front rim with a later engraved inscription reading: Ouizille, Bijoutier du Roy à Paris

8.5cm., 3½in. wide

overall weight 123 gr, 3,95 oz

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