Offered by Ouaiss Antiquités
Circular box in several shades of gold, enamel, and composite materials. The box features varnish or tortoiseshell powder inlaid with thin bands of pink gold. A yellow gold mounting embellished with an interlaced motif frames the box and a central, oval medallion. This enamel medallion features a couple dressed in clothing from ancient Rome standing in front of an altar topped with a statue of Venus who is holding a heart. The young man is placing a crown of roses on the young woman. At the base of the altar a pair of doves is kissing near a bouquet of flowers. The symbols used in this composition show the sentimental nature of the box. The interior of the box is lined entirely with tortoiseshell.
Weight: 2.9 oz (82 g).
Diameter: 2.4 in (6.2 cm). Height: 0.9 in.
Gold marks: Guarantee mark: Julien Alaterre 1768-1775.
Charge mark: crowned E, for 1768.
Charge mark: Helmeted head, 1781-1783.
Master goldsmith: Illegible.
A few small dents and missing fragments from the composition.
