A French silver tea caddy. 950 standard. The engine turned, cylindrical body applied with floral garlands and swags, the pull-off cover with conforming decoration, maker's mark rubbed, 14.2cm high, together with an oval white metal example, stamped 13 and with unidentified marks to base, the body decorated to either side with a vase of flowers within an oval laurel frame and rectangular bead punched border, 12.7cm high; and a silver plated cylindrical example, 12.1cm high, weighable silver (French silver example only) approx. 6ozt (3)

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.