A French Gold Figural Compound Scent Flask, Snuff Box and Hand-Seal of Ducal Interest

18th Century

in the form of a classical bust of a lady, the head lifting from the body for perfume, the base of pedestal opening on a hinge to a snuff compartment, the underside of the base engraved with the coat of arms of Étienne François, Duc d'Choiseul (1719-1785).
marked with the later Eagle's head on interior of base rim
1 ozt 12 dwt
Height 2 7/8 inches.

Property from the Estate of a Prominent Kansas City Collector

Note: The head, body and hand-seal electro-test for between 20 and 22-karat gold.

In overall good, stable condition. The head does not rest perfectly flush to body, stopper appears to engage fully with body, but a small, very tight seam still visible between neck and shoulders. The interior or snuff box on base with a scratched inventory number '88906' and another illegible scratch mark. No other significant condition issues noted. Additional images available upon request.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

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To request further details about this lot, please email conditionreports@freemansauction.com

Please contact the Auction Specialist for details.

Nick Coombs

Vice President, Senior Specialist, European Furniture & Decorative Arts

nickcoombs@freemansauction.com 312 280 1212

Nick Coombs is a senior specialist in the Furniture & Decorative Arts department and also the Coins, Medals & Banknotes department at Freeman's.
Prior to joining Freeman's in 2014, Mr. Coombs worked for PCGS Currency in Peoria, Illinois, where he was responsible for the grading and authentication of paper money. This enabled him to travel to dozens of coin and currency shows a year and develop a lifelong passion for numismatics. In addition to heading the Coins, Medals & Banknotes department at Freeman's, Mr. Coombs works closely with Furniture & Decorative Arts department and has directed auctions for philatelics, memorabilia, scientific instruments, and fountain pens. He received a BA in art history from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a master of letters in art and art world practice from the University of Glasgow.

Gold Boxes and Vertu from the Estate of a Prominent Kansas City Collector

A French Gold Figural Compound Scent Flask, Snuff Box and Hand-Seal of Ducal Interest

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