A very fine George I Tortoiseshell Pique Snuff Box made, most probably, in London circa 1715-20.
A very fine George I Tortoiseshell Pique Snuff Box made, most probably, in London circa 1715-20.
375409
The Snuff Box has a slender oval form and the silver sides are decorated with reeding. The base is inset with a plain tortoiseshell panel and this box has a stand away hinge. The slightly domed cover is beautifully inset with silver and mother of pearl strap work, scrolls and pluming foliate scrolls. The beautifully, blue shaded, mother of pearl bands are very unusually engraved with shell motifs. Most unusually, however, is the top displays a back to back engraved silver male mask. The base also, unusually, displays another face, wearing a mask with exaggerated moustache. As you will appreciate, it is most unusual to find these masks on a box of this type. The inlay and engraving has been executed to the finest standards. This piece is a rare survivor from this period and is in excellent condition.
Length: 2.85 inches, 7.13 cm.
Width: 2.1 inches, 5.25 cm.
Height: 0.45 inches, 1.13 cm.
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