ANTIQUE 19thC FRENCH SILVER GILT MUSIC SNUFF BOX c.1810
19th Century French silver gilt musical snuff box, of traditional form, the base and the cover with panels of peaked-pattern engine turning within stamped sable boarders, the same pattern is repeated along the sides. Comes with its original key and works by sliding the left button to the right. Hallmarked French Silver.
Reference Number: A4214
DESCRIPTION
Antique 19th Century French very rare silver gilt musical snuff box, of traditional form, the base and the cover with panels of peaked-pattern engine turning within stamped sable boarders, the same pattern is repeated along the sides. Comes with its original key and works by sliding the left button to the right.
A musical snuff box would have sat at a lady's dressing tble, or played to amuse one's guests when ordering snuff, for its makers, it also served as a show of skill, the idea was to show the craftsmanship of both the goldsmith and maker of musical instruments - the practise having florished in Geneva and Paris in the late 18th Century.
Hallmarked French Silver (800 standard), Paris, Guarantee mark 'Moyenne', year 1808-1819, Maker's mark Unknown to me.
CONDITION
In Great Condition - No Damage.
SIZE
Length: 8.7cm
Width: 5.4 x 2.5cm
Weight: 253g