Jules Wiese
Match holder


France, c. 1850
silver gilt, diamond, pink gems, enamel, sterling silver
4.50 h x 2 w in (11 x 5 cm)

Match holder of vertical rectangular form with canted corners, the finial depicting a winged putto holding torches atop a globe, mythological plaques and masks adorning the front and back, and the whole being raised on four fire-breathing dragon form feet. When the domed lid is opened by pressing the front mask, a spring-loaded quadripartite interior raises. Impressed maker's mark for Jules Wiese and French assay mark.

This work will ship from Chicago, Illinois.

Overall good condition commensurate with age and use. Several stones chipped and one cracked. Two stones missing. Some chips and losses to the enameled areas on the lid. Finial pressed into lid causing it to lean. There are grooves along the outer edges of the handles and likely had two birds on the tops of the handles, which are now missing. Sits slightly uneven to a table surface.