JEAN DESPRÉS (1889-1980) Rare and important square silver-plated metal box. The base is decorated with a very large flat-link curb chain on a smooth base. The lid, with its broadly hammered surface, holds a square central grip featuring a spacer formed by a flat-link curb chain. Signed J. DESPRÉS at the point on the reverse of the base and bearing the Master Goldsmith hallmark on the inside of the base. Height: 6.3 cm - Length: 25 cm - Width: 25 cm Provenance : M. M., Avallon. Town councillor under Senator-Mayor Jean Chamand. LOT SOLD AT WILD BIDDING

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.