Gold and Enamel Box, Late 19th Century

A rare and delightful late 19th-century gilt-brass vesta case with hand-painted enamel scenes, in the tradition of playful Continental "novelty" smoking accessories. The exterior lid depicts a gentleman seated on a riverbank fishing, while a lady stands nearby. Below, a hand-painted French inscription reads: “Entagaînant le goujon jéveux”, which loosely translates as “Catching the gudgeon I desire.” In French slang of the period, “gudgeon” (goujon) was both a small fish and a playful metaphor for a naïve “catch,” giving the scene a humorous double meaning. Opening the case reveals a hidden risqué scene: the same couple, but with the lady having taken a tumble, her skirts up and legs in the air, much to the surprise of her companion. The interior enamel is inscribed in French “Les surprises de Suzon” (“Suzon’s surprises”), a humorous and cheeky detail typical of these whimsical 19th-century objets de vertu. The case is of gilt brass with a ribbed striking surface to the base and retains its original hinged construction. The enamel is beautifully executed in vivid colors and remains in very good condition for its age, with only minor wear consistent with use. Dimensions: Approx. Length 4.6 cm, Width 3,7 cm, Height 1.1 cm. Weight: 39 grams Origin: France, circa 1880–1900 Materials: Gilt brass, enamel Condition: Very good antique condition with light surface wear; enamels intact and vibrant. This piece would make a superb addition to any collection of antique smoking accessories...

INDULGE IN A MUSEUM QUALITY BLUE MOSER GLASS PATCH, JEWELRY, DRESSER BOX DECORATED WITH A HAND PAINTED ENAMEL IMAGE OF A FROLICKING FAIRY, CHERUB, EROS OR ANGEL WITH BUTTERFLY WINGS WHO IS HOLDING A LYRE OR LUTE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT AND A BASKET OF FLOWERS AND IS DANCING THROUGH A CLOUD FILLED BLUE AND WHITE SKY. SURROUNDING THE CHERUB IS A SPECTACULAR SUNBURST FLAME DESIGN IN GOLDEN ENAMEL. FURTHER GOLD ENAMEL DECORATES THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE BOX. THE BOX IS AN EXQUISITE BLUE GLASS, MOST LIKELY MOSER BOHEMIAN GLASS...

This is a rare pair of antique 19th Century Silver Birth Announcement Umbilical Clamp Stork Scissors. The Silver birth stork scissors served as a birth announcement and were used to ...

A RARE 22 K GOLD Gold Utility Box ,Gold 130 Gm, Gorgeous 1870's French gold ribbed box Size 3.2X1.5X1 inch The Box is of rectangular shape with fine basket-weave decoration. antique...

A Gold and Enamel German Snuff Box An oval snuff box with pink, blue, and green enamel. The top of the box features an enamel plaque of a lady at an altar of love with baby Cupid. ...

Wimbledon Furniture We are delighted to offer For sale this stunning circa 1900 French or Italian Sterling silver Diamond & Enamel powder compact with lipstick...

This Mario Buccellati vintage diamond 18K yellow gold compact box from 1940's features a diamond accent closure in 18K white gold with rose-cut diam...

This is the most adorable monkey themed trinket pill box by none other than Judith Leiber! Add a little fun to your daily life and keep this in your b...

Finely finished and made of 18 Karat yellow gold, this luxury oval pill box is a fine adornment for any vanity or to carry personal accoutrements. Measuring 1-5/8 inch wide by l-1/2...

INDULGE IN A MUSEUM QUALITY PERFUME BOTTLE VINAIGRETTE DECORATED WITH HAND PAINTED NEOCLASSICAL ENAMEL IMAGES OF MERMEN, CENTAUR, GODDESS MAIDENS, AND FISH IN A BUCOLIC PASTORAL SCENE OF EXTRAORDINARY BEAUTY. THE PERFUME IS SILVER GILT AND DATES TO CIRCA 1850-1900. The enamel images on the perfume are as fine and wonderful as we have ever seen. The classical subject matter is absolutely stunning. On one side is a goddess maiden rising out of the water on the back of a merman with another merman rising out of the water and holding her robes. There is a fish in the water and the background includes a cloud filled sky, with a tower and trees. On the other side, the goddess maiden is climbing onto the back of the magnificent centaur who kneels by the side of a stream with a temple in the background. The cap is further adorned with elegant geometric flower motif designs in enamel. The classic images from mythology are absolutely exquisite and the work of a master enamel artisan of the highest quality. The perfume bottle is silver gilt. The perfume bottle is most likely Swiss or Austrian. It dates the 19th Century. The perfume vinaigrette...