18th century silver sponge ball, the base fretworked... Lot 37

18th century silver sponge ball, the base fretworked with threads, body composed of two half-spheres opening with hinges, the pierced lid is provided with a poucier lip. Hallmarks under the base and in the lid Agen 1776-78, Master goldsmith Jacques Charpentier. Weight. : 212 g. Diameter : 8 cm. H.: 8.6 cm. The sponge ball is openwork to allow the sponge to dry. It generally forms a pair with the soap ball, missing here, which is plain. In the 17th and 18th centuries soap generally took the form of a ball.