With the mark for Paul Rigaux and Pierre Leblanc (Paris, 1845-1851) (mark no. 03626 in Arminjon et al.) and French guarantee mark. The elaborate casket of rectangular form with a hinged cover surmounted by a sculptural depiction in silver gilt of St. George slaying the dragon - each figure composed of baroque pearls and encrusted with rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, each corner of cover with cameo featuring a Classical deity, the edges with applied silver and enamel decorated grape vines with pearls; the cover opens to reveal a gilt interior. The body ornately decorated with arabesque background in teal, blue, green, white, and purple enamels; upon this background the front panel bears an applied guilloche enamel plaque with hunting party chasing a stag at dawn, the plaque flanked by two silver swags terminating in grape clusters with green enamel leaves and inset gems; the back panel with central silver applied bow with additional grape clusters above a gem set shield; each corner of casket is concave and features a sculptural male or female figure in the round and wearing Renaissance dress; each side panel decorated with applied silver swag and inset pearls, green turquoise, and amber-look cabochons; the entire casket raised on four boldly formed paw feet. With working lock and likely later key.

10.5 x 12.5 x 8.5 in.

130.532 troy oz.

Private Collection of a Lady, Raleigh, North Carolina

A similar important French Historicist silver-gilt, niello, lapis-lazuli, and gem-set casket by Mention et Wagner of Paris (1832-1838) sold at Christie's in May 2010 (sale 2373, lot 70).

$20,000 - 40,000