oval, chased with entwined ribbon and laurel around flutes, fitted with a mirror, with leather etui

Bernard Franck Collection, Paris, early 20th century

mirror added later and with some discoloration, the box in good condition
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Charles Raymond Granchez , member of the Paris corporation  of Marchands Merciers opened his new magasin anglais  on the rue de Conti in 1767 au Petit Dunkerque, ( the shop sign painted by Joseph Vernet), where he sold novelties, boxes  and objets of Vertu, some imported from England and Switzerland. He launched a new snuff box every year.The shop was mirrored throughout including the ceiling. In May 1774 he was appointed bijoutier du roi and in 1775 bijoutier de la Reine.  Granchez continued to a run his shop le Perle d’Orient in Dunkirk, an important trading port between England and France. For further information see  Carolyn Sargentson, Merchants and Luxury Markets, pp.119-127.

M. Bernard Franck (1848-1924) was an industrialist specializing in the manufacture of military equipment and a veteran of the War of 1870, where he won the medaille militaire.  His first collection, of arms, uniforms, and military insignia, was an outgrowth of his profession and experience, but he expanded into miniatures, objets de Vertu, and historical relics.  At the Exposition Universelle of 190🍎0, the display of carnets aꦉnd etuis from the Franck collection was acquired by J.P. Morgan for the Metropolitan Museum.  After the collector’s death, much of the collection was dispersed in a series of five sales in the early 1930s.  In the first catalogue, of Objets de Vitrine, Henry Nocq wrote that Bernard Franck “was without doubt one of the most determined collectors of the modern day, but determined with discernment.”