A LOUIS-PHILIPPE GOLD SNUFF-BOX

BY ALEXANDRE-RAOUL MOREL, PARIS, 1838-1850

Details

Rectangular, the cover and concave sides chased with foliate scrolling panels, the base engine-turned with basket weave pattern framed by foliate garlands entwined in reeded frame, the lid centred by a circular medallion with coat-of-rams, the rim chased in high relief with flowers, marked on flange with the third standard mark for gold, France, 1838-1918, maker and inventory number 988
3 3/8 in. (8.5 cm.) long
2 oz. 19 dwt. (93 gr.)
The arms are those of Fletcher.
Lot Essay

Alexandre-Raoul Morel was born in Paris in 1801, the son of the gold box maker Gabriel-Raoul Morel. He entered two marks with his father's symbol (an ear), the first in 1833 for 'la tabatière' and the second, replacing it in 1849 for 'la bijouterie'. This last was cancelled a year later in 1850.
Several of his boxes were made for English patrons who may have commissioned them on a visit to Paris or may have been client of Jean-Valentin Morel (1794-1860), a jeweller and lapidary. Jean-Valentin had set up his business at 7 New Burlington Street in London, following a lawsuit in Paris in 1848 and his retailer's mark can be found on several gold boxes. Indeed his successful business attracted a prestigious clientele, among them Queen Victoria, who granted him a royal warrant.
Although further research is needed, a family connection must exist beyond an obvious commercial partnership.