J.F. BAUTTE & CIE, GENEVA, A POLYCHROME ENAMEL SNUFF BOX CIRCA 1826-1850The box with polychrome enamelled flowers, birds and figures in a scrolling foliate ground, the lid lip signed J. F. BAUTTE & CIE A GENEVE with unidentified control markSize/dimensions: 6.4cm x 3.4cm 1.3cmGross weight: 43.5 gramsJ.F. Bautte & Cie. was a celebrated Swiss jeweller and watchmaker, particularly known for its fine enamel work. The company found fame under Jean François Bautte (1772-1837), who was apprenticed into the enamel and jewellery trade from the age of 12, and by the age of 20 was making his own pieces under the apprenticeship of watch case makers Jacques-Dauphin Moulinié and Jean François Blanchot in Geneva. Between 1804 and 1808 Bautte worked in partnership with Moulinié, after which Jean-Gabriel Moynier joined the partnership, and the company traded as Moulinié, Bautte & Moynier until 1821 when Mouliné retired. Between 1821 and 1826 the company traded as Bautte & Moynier. In the 1830's Bautte traded under his sole name J.F. Bautte until his death in 1837, when the company continued to trade under the direction of Bautte's son Jacques. Queen Victoria was amongst the many high profile royal and noble customers of J.F. Bautte in the mid 19th century who admired the excellence of Bautte's pieces.