ADAM'S Country House Collections Day II - 14th October 2025

42 500 A LOUIS XVI THREE-COLOUR 18K GOLD SNUFF BOX, PARIS 1778-1779, with Parisian maker’s mark ‘RLM’, of oval form, the cover, sides and base with panels of engine-turned reeding stamped at intervals with pellets, the hinged lid centred by an oval cartouche containing a pair of love birds and cupids bow and arrows, contained within a beaded border, having corresponding beaded rim, the sides divided by small corresponding cartouches, marked on the interior of the cover, base and side, dis- charge mark 1768-1774 on the flange and later control mark. 70mm wide, 52mm deep, 23cm high, total gross weight approx 94 grams. € 4,000 - 6,000 501 A LOUIS XVI THREE-COLOUR 18K GOLD SNUFF BOX BY NICOLAS MARGUERIT (FL. 1763-1790), PARIS 1766-1769, of oval form, the cover, sides and base with panels of wavy engine-turned reeding, the lid and base with panelled border decorated with flowerhead motifs and scrolling foliate decoration, the sides divided by stylised columns each hung with foliate swags, bearing German inscription to the lid interior ‘Dem Areuen Freund zum Andenken’, marked on the interior of the cover, base and side with the charge mark 1762-1768, the date-letter (e) and maker’s mark; with discharge mark 1768-1774 on the flange. 81mm wide, 58mm deep, 38mm high, total gross weight approx. 126 grams € 6,000 - 10,000 The social landscape of 18th century France was one of revolution, ambition and aspi- ration. The emergence of a middle class and a preoccupation with social position and wealth led to an enormous growth in the popularity, and accessibility of luxury items previously enjoyed exclusively by the upper classes. The humble snuffbox, a functional object used and abused by both noble class and peasantry became a social prop and an excellent vehicle for style and success in this tumultuous century. Established luxury artisans such as Marguerit used multiple shades of gold, silver, pre- cious gemstones, enamel and ivory to dress their boxes for the tastes of the day. It should be noted however that many of these sumptuous boxes exist today on the mar- ket without the diamonds and other precious stones they were originally decorated with indicating that the recipient or their descendants weren’t above selling the stones off when required. In addition to this, the snuffbox was commissioned to express the own- er’s own tastes, and in many cases, their own image via miniature portrait. It was often engraved with intimate messages and therefore was exchanged as a gift or keepsake, as in the case of this lovely example which is engraved with the message ‘Dem Areuen Freund zum Andenken’ (In Memory of his Friend). By their nature they are neat, tactile, portable objects which would be kept on one’s person and therefore lend themselves well to examination and admiration from privileged onlookers, who would no doubt leave with galvanised impressions of their owners. How fitting then that the splendour of the snuffbox reached its apex during the reign of Louis XVI, a period associated with decadence and excess. It was commonplace for a snuffbox to be gifted to dignitaries and ambassadors which had the dual benefit of showcasing the artistry and skill of the French nation, and also currying favour without appearing as an outright bribe. Tobacco had been popular across Europe for centuries though it was a personal aversion of King Louis XIV who attempted to have it banned from his court with little success. The snuffbox became such a common sight in the court of Louis XVI that the presentation and handling of the box itself became charged with nuance and was ripe for interpretation. This code was referred to as ‘The Language of the Tabatière’ and the simple act of flicking tobacco off one’s coat or dipping a pinched finger into another’s box could be interpreted as invi- tations to an upcoming ball or even a marriage proposal if the interpreter was feeling particularly hopeful. The work of Marguerit is an example of the best available on the market today, with many in permanent collections in the Victoria & Albert Musuem in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York.