For sale is this silver and enamel box with gilt and oxidised highlights.  It is undoubtedly designed by Paul Legrand, who did work in this style c 1870-1900, typically retailed by Boucheron.

This box is assayed with 950 Minerva’s head but with indistinct makers mark. For similar designs by Paul Legrand see his exceptional inkwell held by Museum of Fine Art Boston at this link, or two very similar designs sold by Bonhams some years back at this link.

The box is really a jewel of a piece with complex geometric, naturalistic and figural Japanese inspired designs, heightened with champleve enamel gilt and oxidised silver (niello).  It’s pretty mad, like most of Paul Legrand’s pieces like this!

Condition is very good. The enamel is in excellent condition with perhaps some loss of vibrancy and contrast to the gilding and oxidised elements that has occurred naturally over time.  It is a heavy gauge of silver.

Paul  Legrand (1840-1910) worked as the chief designer for the house of Boucheron from 1863, briefly departing before returning around 1875. He is credited with Boucheron’s key design innovations at this time that helped establish it as one of the great jewellers of the modern era.  Other silver enamel designs  by Legrand are known to have been made by Eugène Queillé and Crossville & Glachant.

Price range: £3,350

Designer: Paul Legrand (attrib)

Date: c. 1880

Marks: French assay marks, illegible makers mark

Material: 950 silver, enamel, gilt, niello

Condition: Very good, see description

Size: Diameter 9.5 cm length

Weight: 100 grams, 3.5 oz