19thC SWISS 18k GOLD & ENAMEL MUSICAL SNUFF BOX, SENÉ & DÉTALLA c.1800

£29,995.00

Antique early 19th-century Swiss music snuff box, crafted in 18-carat gold and exquisitely decorated with multi-coloured enamels. Of elegant rectangular form, the case features engine-turned detailing throughout, with the top surface later embellished with old cut diamonds spelling the name "Belle". This sits against a richly enamelled dark blue ground, framed by a taille d’épargne border of tulips and plumes on a vibrant cornflower blue opaque enamel.

The exterior is adorned with a lavish polychrome palette of enamel — deep and light blues, reds, greens, oranges, and whites — all intricately bordered with chased gold foliate motifs. Each side is centered with navette-shaped dark blue enamel medallions, enhancing the symmetry and elegance of the design.

A discreet sliding switch at the reverse activates the concealed musical movement. Lifting the lid reveals a pierced rose gold grille, meticulously engraved with a trophy of love, birds, and floral roundels of vine leaves, concealing a snuff compartment beneath. The key-wound mechanism, accessible via a keyhole at the base, plays for approximately 3.5 minutes when fully wound in an anti-clockwise direction. A masterpiece of Swiss horological and decorative arts, this piece not only embodies technical innovation but also the romantic and artistic sensibilities of its time. Hallmarked maker's mark SD in a horizontal lozenge. (indicating the successful Genevois partnership of Sené & Detalla.), unofficial PC3 18ct standard mark, and later control marks.
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Reference Number: A10682

Antique early 19th-century Swiss music snuff box, crafted in 18-carat gold and exquisitely decorated with multi-coloured enamels. Of elegant rectangular form, the case features engine-turned detailing throughout, with the top surface later embellished with old cut diamonds spelling the name "Belle". This sits against a richly enamelled dark blue ground, framed by a taille d’épargne border of tulips and plumes on a vibrant cornflower blue opaque enamel.

The exterior is adorned with a lavish polychrome palette of enamel — deep and light blues, reds, greens, oranges, and whites — all intricately bordered with chased gold foliate motifs. Each side is centered with navette-shaped dark blue enamel medallions, enhancing the symmetry and elegance of the design.

A discreet sliding switch at the reverse activates the concealed musical movement. Lifting the lid reveals a pierced rose gold grille, meticulously engraved with a trophy of love, birds, and floral roundels of vine leaves, concealing a snuff compartment beneath. The key-wound mechanism, accessible via a keyhole at the base, plays for approximately 3.5 minutes when fully wound in an anti-clockwise direction. A masterpiece of Swiss horological and decorative arts, this piece not only embodies technical innovation but also the romantic and artistic sensibilities of its time. Hallmarked maker's mark SD in a horizontal lozenge. (indicating the successful Genevois partnership of Sené & Detalla.), unofficial PC3 18ct standard mark, and later control marks.
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Reference Number: A10682

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Philippe Sené and Détalla were master goldsmiths active in Geneva around the turn of the 19th century, renowned for their production of luxurious objets de vertu. Their workshop specialised in exquisitely crafted items such as musical boxes, automata, and richly enamelled snuff boxes, often destined for elite European and Eastern clients. Working during a period when Geneva was celebrated for its fusion of horology, enamelling, and goldsmithing, Sené and Détalla exemplified the city’s technical and artistic finesse. Their partnership, which flourished until around 1805, produced some of the most intricate and imaginative examples of Geneva goldsmithing. 

CONDITION

In Great Condition - Wear expected with age. Please refer to photographs.

SIZE

Height: 2 cm // 0.79 in
Width: 8 cm // 3.15 in
Depth: 5.3 cm // 2.09 in
Weight: 200.7 grams // 6.45 ozt