Swiss 14k gold octagonal tobacco box with enamel miniature, Pierre Girard, Geneva
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
second half of the 19th century, post-1881
This exceptional octagonal tobacco box is a sophisticated example of 19th-century Geneva jewelry craftsmanship. Fabricated in 14k gold in the workshop of Pierre Girard, the piece exhibits high-level technical execution through the integration of miniature enamel painting, guilloché engraving, and varied enamel applications.
The hinged lid is dominated by a central enamel miniature featuring a romantic scene executed in the gallant style. This painting is encircled by an oval frame of opaque sky-blue enamel, which is further decorated with neoclassical floral motifs. The sides of the case showcase a intricate guilloché pattern layered beneath translucent enamel, accented by delicate white enamel ribbon-like waves. The base is structured with a rhythmic alternation of vertical segments in white and blue enamel, providing a cohesive architectural symmetry to the object.
With a width of 8.5 cm, depth of 6 cm, and height of 1.5 cm, the box maintains precise proportions. It bears the maker’s mark of Pierre Girard and Swiss gold hallmarks dating to post-1881.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Depth
- 6 cm
- Width
- 8.5 cm
- Height
- 1.5 cm
- Weight
- 122 g
- Material
- 14k gold, enamel
Technical characteristics
- Marks
- maker’s mark of Pierre Girard, Swiss gold hallmarks post-1881
Design
- Lid
- enamel miniature of a gallant scene in an oval sky-blue frame with floral motifs
- Base
- alternating vertical segments of white and blue enamel
- Sides
- guilloché pattern with translucent enamel and white enamel ribbons
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Pierre Girard
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.