A German gold and mother-of-pearl snuff box, possibly Dresden, circa 1745 - Photo Sotheby's

rectangular, the surfaces mounted with shaped iridescent mother-of-pearl panels carved with shellwork framed by chased gold interlaced cloisons, chased waved borders, the interior of the cover mounted with a gouache miniature of a nobleman, French School, c.1740-45, wearing armor and the sash and star of the Polish Order of the White Eagle, in fitted leather box; apparently unmarked except for a Roman chariot control mark in use in northern France, 1819-38 struck on rim of body and cover; length 3 1/8 in. 8cm. Estimation: 150,000 - 250,000 USD

PROVENANCE: Garrard & Co., London

Sotheby's. Important English and European Decorative Arts. New York | 26 oct. 2012 www.sothebys.com