A Saint Cloud gold-mounted box in the form of a monk, circa 1740

A Saint Cloud gold-mounted box in the form of a monk, circa 1740.  Photo Bonhams

The bearded figure holding a beaker in his right hand, traces of marks to mount, perhaps the 'crowned mace' discharge mark for Jacques Cottin, Paris, 1727-32, 5.6cm across, 4.7cm high; Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000, € 2,300 - 3,400, US$ 3,300 - 4,900 - Sold for £4,800

Provenance: Alfred Joseph Collection, no. 1307

Literature: Beaucamp-Markowsky 1988, no. 78;
Munger 2002, fig. 6

Exhibited: Amsterdam, Rijksmuseum, 1972-2003;
London, Gilbert Collection, Somerset House, 2003-2008;
Barnard Castle, Co. Durham, The Bowes Museum, 2008-2010

A painted example of this model is in the Musée des arts décroatifs (illustrated by Beaucamp-Markowsky 1985, no. 374).

Bonhams. The Helmut Joseph Collection of Important Snuff Boxes, 5 Jul 2011. London, New Bond Street www.bonhams.com