Swiss 18K Gold and Enamel Snuff Box

Inventory Number: O23030013LC

Made circa 1801-1804 by Guidon, Gide & Blondet Fils in Geneva, 95×65×15 mm. 18K yellow gold and enamel, a rectangular-shaped case with cut corners, the lid enameled with a dramatic view of the sea battle of the ‘Glorious 1st of June’, after James de Loutherbourg, within chased acanthus border and black enamel frame, the sides decorated in translucent dark blue enamel over a zig-zag pattern, the corners with blue taille d’épargne quatrefoils on gold reeding and black enamel, the base enameled with stylized elongated lozenges, the interior engraved with a later inscription reading: Life doesn't consist in holding good cards, but in playing a bad hand well, P.H.J.S from A.N.J.S / October 29th, 1934, maker's mark.

The Glorious First of June (1 June 1794), also known as the Fourth Battle of Ushant, was the first and largest fleet action of the naval conflict between the Kingdom of Great Britain and the First French Republic during the French Revolutionary Wars.

On loan from the private collection of Mr. Yeung Sau Wong.