Gold And Enamel Snuffbox, Paris 1774–1777

Cylindrical snuffbox in 18-carat gold and enamel, crafted in Paris between 1774 and 1777 by the goldsmith Joseph-Étienne Bletzly, master from 1768 and renowned for works now preserved at the Louvre, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Victoria & Albert Museum. The body and lid display an exquisitely executed “à vagues” guilloché, enhanced by double bands of royal-blue enamel set with white enamel beads in the neoclassical “à perles” style. A central medallion in blue and white enamel provides perfect geometric balance. Inside appear Bletzly’s maker’s mark and the décharge mark of Jean-Baptiste Fouache, the Parisian petit contrôleur active from 1774 to 1777, allowing a precise dating. Weight: 78 g. An object of outstanding craftsmanship, representing one of the finest examples of pre-Revolutionary French goldsmithing.