Lot 141

Attributed to Auguste Dutertre, Switzerland, 65 x 132 x 24 mm, 212 g, circa 1850

A remarkably decorative and exclusive gold enamel cigar case with period hunting scenes "The Pheasant Shooting"
Case: gold enamel, upright rectangular, hinged lid. Polychrome floral Champlevé enamel ornaments, central cartouches with fine miniature paintings: the front shows a pheasant shooting scene, the back a hunting party, each framed by curling blue and white Champlevè ribbons. Above and below the cartouches are curled enamel medallions with hunting trophies and hunting gear, ornamented with floral engraving and translucent enamelling in parts. With original velvet box.
Even by the highest standards this is a truly outstanding objet de vertu - and one that is surely not only appreciated by avid hunters!
In addition to the pictures of the magnificent pheasant hunt and the meal the huntsmen share afterwards with the beaters and dog handlers, there are enamel medallions showing shot game, boning tools and hunting weapons. Auguste Dutertre specialised in luxurious cigar cases such as this one; according to the official catalogue of the World Exhibition of 1851 in London, Dutertre was awarded a gold medal for his gold and enamel objects. One of them was a gold cigar case decorated with enamel and painting with a watch attached; it was later owned by King Farouk of Egypt, which has been documented in detail. The piece we have here also bears the distinctive signature of Dutertre.