A George III gold-mounted hardstone necessaire and perfume circa 1770

A rectangular upright casket, the agate panels mounted by gold cagework chased with birds, flowers, and a dragon, with gem-set pushpiece, the white enamel collar inscribed in gold with the motto 'RIEN DE PLUS DOUX QUE L'AMOUR,' the interior fitted with two gold-mounted glass scent bottles, two gold-capped pencils, scissors, needlecase, sewing hook, cylindrical case, and folding blade; the perfume with similar cagework, the white enamel collar apparently inscribed with the phrase 'L'A VOUS SEULE,' both apparently unmarked. (2).

(H: 2 1/4 in., W: 1 7/8 in., D: 1 1/2 in. (necessaire); H: 2 7/8 in. (perfume))

Provenance

Gift of Anne Allen to John Penn as a wedding present, Philadelphia, 1766.
Thence by descent.
Private Collection.

Exhibition History

Freeman's, Philadelphia, Loyalties in Revolutionary Times, March-July 2018.

The gold tested as 18K, the gem-set thumbpiece garnet. The necessaire repaired, some of the cagework has been reattached inconsistently; the cage work on top of the lid appears to be reattached, some glue visible; three corners of the lid missing their mounts; the front and back of the body's cagework lifting, the tab meant to insert under the base mounting has come out of alignment so that it not strongly attached; cracks to three of the agate panels; the enamel collar moderately rubbed, some losses at the corners; the interior velvet lining aged; the interior lacking the original ivory notepad. The perfume with grime and/or glue present to some of the cagework; the enamel collar heavily rubbed and partially obscured. Both with other signs of light wear including surface scratches, rubbing, and accretions present.