rectangular, the lid, four sides and base inset with contemporary landscape miniatures on paper, after the manner of Lacroix de Marseille, the lid with an idealised view of the falls at Tivoli, the reeded cagework mounts forming pilasters at the four corners, gold-lined, the left rim inscribed: 20 K 5/32 with rubbed marks, the lining with prestige marks

overall very good condition, miniatures still have very vivid colours but a few would benefit from straightening and lining can be seen.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The engraved carat inscription on the left rim appears, in the same script, on a number of snuff boxes by the celebrated goldsmith A.J.M. Vachette. The boxes on which the inscription is found date from around 1781 until the end of Vachette's post-revolutionary career. The usual inscription is simply: 20 K 5, but the 20 K 5/32 inscription can also be found on a gold-mounted tortoiseshell portrait snuff box in the collections of the Louvre (Serge Grandjean, Les tabatières du musée du Louvre, Paris, 1981, no. 363) in conjunction with Vachette's signature.