OVAL TABATIÈRE IN GOLD AND ENAMEL Mark of the Master Goldsmith Joseph-Etienne Blerzy, received in 1768
Paris 1784-1785
Decorated all sides with straw in imitation of peacock feathers, the frames with braided cords; accidents and restorations
H. 2.6 cm (1 in.)
W.: 7.1 cm (2 ¾ in.)
l. Width: 5.3 cm (2 in.)
Gross weight : 92,4 gr.
Title : 18K (750)

A gold oval snuffbox, by Joseph-Etienne Blerzy, Paris 1784-1785

Joseph-Etienne Blerzy (active from 1750 to 1806), apprentice to François-Joachim Aubert in 1750, was received Master in 1768, (his hallmark, JEB, one level); he established himself on the Pont au Change under the sign "à la ville de Leipzig" until 1785; his production was renowned for the quality of his jewellery and gold boxes. The Louvre Museum has thirteen snuff boxes and two wax cases in its collections; seven snuff boxes are represented in the Cognacq-Jay Museum, and his works can be found in several public and private collections.