13/06/2026
An important oval gold snuffbox from the reign of Louis XV, Paris, 1763–1764, by Jean George.
Decorated all around with fine engraved and chased Neoclassical stylistic elements.
The lid and base each feature a medallion with gardening implements in four different coloures of gold.
Weight: 113.5 g (20.25 carats) Size: L/W/H: 6.4 x 5 x 3.5 cm
Marks:
J G (Jean George) with a star beneath a crowned fleur-de-lis and two “grains de remede” (remedy grains) Rosenberg No. 6697 on the inside of the lid, the inside base, and the inside of the case front.
Z crowned: Date letter and guarantee mark (20.25 carats) of the Parisian “maison commune” for goldwork, 1763/64, on the inside of the lid, the inside base, and the inside of the case front.
Laurel wreath: charge-mark for goldwork, Fermier: Jean-Jacques Prévost, 1762–68, on the inside of the lid, the inside base, and the inside of the case front.
Dog’s head: decharge-mark for goldwork, Fermier: Jean-Jacques Prévost, 1762–68, on the right side of the outer frame of the case.
On the outer side of the body-rim, at the back right, is the inventory number 582.
(Compared to the serial numbers of other Georges snuffboxes, this number fits the production year 1763/64.)
Jean George was undoubtedly “one of the most famous French gold box makers” (Charles Truman, The Gilbert Collection of Gold Boxes, Los Angeles, 1991, p. 71). He worked extensively for the French royal court, supplying a gold box for the Menus Plaisirs du Roi in 1755 and several other boxes for the royal gifts, the Présents du Roi, between 1755 and 1761.
