Description
Gold Wire Inlay
From our Collectables collection, we are delighted to introduce this French Silver and Enamel Snuffbox. The Snuff Box of oval shape with a white enamel glaze mounted in silver with gold inlaid lattice wire incepted by dark purple enamel crosses. The exterior of the Snuff Box is finished with a dark purple enamel edging and a central portrait miniature of a beautifully painted lady in Georgian dress with floral headband upon a green hue background. When opened via the front thumb tab the inside of the Snuff Box is finished in silver gilt and bears the French silver hallmarks BW Benjamin Wolles (fl. 1894-1921) separated with a French Horn motif. The Snuff Box dates to the turn of the 20th century circa 1900.
Enamel (vitreous enamel) also known as porcelain enamel, is a material made by fusing powdered glass to a substrate by firing, usually between 750 and 850 °C. The powder melts, flows, and then hardens to a smooth, durable vitreous coating. The word vitreous comes from the Latin vitreous, meaning “glassy”.
Snuff-Boxes were used for containing snuff which is a mixture of ground tobacco and scented oils. Originally from the Americas Snuff became extremely popular in 18th century Europe, it was seen as a status symbol and undertaken by the elite in society. Commissioned snuff boxes of various materials would be bought by high status individuals as a sign of wealth and power. Snuff-Boxes became highly prized by collectors from 19th century when snuff was slowly phased out.
Measurements 3.7cm High x 8.5cm Wide x 6.2cm Deep (1.46 x 3.35 x 2.44 Inches)
Condition Very Good, one very small ghost hairline to one side, no other damage or restoration.
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