FRANCE, époque Empire - Restauration Small rectangular snuffbox in yellow gold (750), with rounded corners and chased decoration on all sides, of reserves with wavy motifs in molded frames adorned with friezes of fleurons and florets on a matt grained ground. Hinged lid. Goldsmith's hallmark of Gabriel-Raoul MOREL (1764-1832), the last hallmark (losangiform) used between 1798 and 1832. Bearing several numbers: 327 - 16689 (crossed out) - 16777 (handwritten). PARIS trial hallmark [bear head] for 1798-1838. 3rd Title [rooster] and grosse Garantie [lion's head] marks from PARIS for 1809-1819. Punched with an eagle's head. Weight : 70 g. - 20 x 65 x 46 mm. A few scratches and minor wear bumps, notably near the hinge.

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.