An extremely rare and exceptional George III "Snail Shell" Snuff Box made in Birmingham in 1805 by Matthew Linwood.
An extremely rare and exceptional George III "Snail Shell" Snuff Box made in Birmingham in 1805 by Matthew Linwood.
199920
The Snuff Box is modelled as a large Snail Shell decorated on the sides and cover with wriggle work on a prick dot ground. The hinged base is beautifully engraved with a central panel of Greek Key designs surrounded by a border of detailed oak leaves and acorns. The hinge is very well concealed and opens to reveal the finest gilded interior. This is only the second Snail Snuff Box we have seen in nearly fifty years. A similar example, not so beautifully decorated, is illustrated in Investing in Silver by Eric Delieb, page 93.
Length: 2.5 inches, 6.25cm
Width: 1.9 inches, 4.75cm
Height: 0.65 inches, 1.63cm
1805
Birmingham
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