A gold and enamel snuff box, Hanau, circa 1785

oval, the lid inset with a glazed gold medallion chased with a putto attempting to interrupt a lady reading, finely reeded engine-turned ground within wide blue enamel borders, maker’s mark FF crowned, with French prestige marks including charge of Alaterre, date letter Y, and shell discharge for 18ct gold, Prague control mark

very minor losses to enamel but overall good condition, 120.4gr.
"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 stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes '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."

Compare with an engine-turned box of very similar construction, from the Thurn und Taxis collects ion, Regensburg (Lorenz Seelig, Golddosen des 18. Jahrhunderts aus dem Besitz der Fürsten von Thurn und Taxis, Munich, 2007, no. 41). The box is also struck with identical prestige Paris charge, discharge and date letter but has maker's mark FC crowned. According to Seelig, the box was most probably purchased before 1789.