Oval, the base, cover and sides inlaid with gold, black lacquer and ivory stripes within leaf-braid pierced borders, the cover centred by an oval enamel miniature of an English naval officer in blue coat framed by a ribbon-tied laurel wreath, the base centred by a pierced flowerhead framed by leaf-braid border, marked inside base, sides and cover: charge, date-letter and maker; on flange: decharge and Dutch duty mark in use from 1906 to 1953
3¹⁄₄ in. (8.5 cm.)
gross weight 7 oz. (218 gr.)

Christie's, New York, 19 April 2002, lot 33.

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Lot Essay

The intials G.S. painted on the portrait refer to Gervase Spencer (c.1715 - 1763). Spencer is recorded as a gentleman's servant, the footman to a "Dr. W." whose skill as a portrait miniaturist in both enamel and ivory was such that he became one of the most fashionable painters of the day.
For examples of Spencer's work see: Sarah Coffin and Bodo Hofstetter, Portrait Miniatures in Enamel, p. 102-05. A Louis XVI snuff box, Paris, 1775, with miniature signed by Gervase Spencer and dated 1757, sold at Christie's, London, November 6, 2001, lot 155.