French gold pique and enamel box, William Tell, c. 1790.

A fine French gold pique, horn and enamel circular box, c. 1790. The cover with an inset circular enamel plaque, beautifully hand painted with a scene depicting the legend of William Tell, shooting the apple, placed on his sons head. Albrecht Gessler watches on, astride his horse, along with a large crowd, in a mountainous landscape.
Both the box and rim of the cover inset with gold stars.

Legend has it, that on November 18th, 1307, William Tell and his son visited the village of Altdorf, where he refused to bow to Gessler. After his arrest, Gessler forced him to shoot an apple off of the head of his son, at 120 paces.
Tell succeeded in the challenge, and later killed the tyrant.

Diameter – 8.2 cm, 3 1/4”.

Height – 2.3 cm, 7/8”.

Condition: Excellent.