Late 18th c. Rare French Gilt Silver & Bronze Sphinx Wax Jack, Bougie Box

We are offering... A magnificent and Very rare early French Winged Sphinx Silver and Gilt Bronze Bougie Box (or wax jack). This Beautiful piece of art features a Gilt Winged Bronze Sphinx on a pierced reticulated Silver box, through which a taper of sealing wax is coiled around a spindle and passed through a socket, ending through a beautiful silver flower. The handle on this piece is in the shape of a serpent with an entwined tail biting onto the box. The Silver mark is on the handle. The Sphinx is Bronze, with Wings of Gilt Bronze, the Box, Handle & Flower are all silver. It's more than likely French in origin, late 18th century, after Napoleon's invasion of Egypt set off an interest in all things Egyptian. (in 30 years of having this piece we have not found another one like it) A Silver French mark is on the silver handle. Approximate dimensions: Total height 3" Length of box 3" Length with handle 4 1/2" Depth of box 2 1/4" Total Weight 225 g. Condition: Good age-related condition, no major losses or scratches. The upper lid is slightly curved The bottom of the Silver box has some minor indentations from use. (Please see all photos for complete description) id. 200 Loc. F
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