In commemoration of his reign, This immaculate 18th century snuff box holds what I expect to be an 18k gold plaque (thin cast) though I have not removed it to test. It is housed under the original convex cover glass, deep enough to allow for the bas relief
(Louis Stanislas Xavier; 17 November 1755 – 16 September 1824), known as
le Désiré) or "Desired", was King of France from 1814 to 1824, except for the Hundred Days War in 1815. He spent twenty-three years in exile: during the French Revolution, to escape the Guillotine, and the First French Empire of Napoleon's reign (1804–1814), as well as during the Hundred Days.
Until his accession to the throne of France, he held the title of "Count of Provence" as brother of King Louis XVI. On 21 September 1792, the National Convention abolished the monarchy and deposed Louis XVI who was, of course, later executed by guillotine. When his young nephew Louis XVII died in prison in June 1795, the Count of Provence proclaimed himself (titular) king under the name Louis XVIII. He died in 1824, and had aged much, suffered obesity and gout. This commemorative is likely from his confirmation, c.1814. Measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent, obviously very treasured for a couple centuries, I see a couple of typical age/drying or shrinkage cracks on the side panels, which the old ivory does naturally. The interior would suggest it was a bonbon, souvenir patch box. It has not been used as a snuff box. Displays beautifully!
IMPORTANT NOTE regarding antique tortoise shell or ivory: We are great supporters of protection for endangered species in our modern world. We never buy or sell anything 100 years or newer; we donate to anti-poaching organizations; we don't hunt; we conserve in ways that impact global warming (we're totally solar at home), knowing those measures also protect the animals in the wild today. We also recognize the vast cultural history we preserve with our care and reverence for these antique objects, and agree with CITES that objects over 100 years of age have nothing whatsoever to do with species depletion in our current world.
Our offering exceeds the age limitation of "more than 100 years of age", and is well within the exemption for CITES regulation. If imported, met the CITES regulation. This item will be handled and shipped from our Utah business, and is not available for shipment internationally, nor within the USA to California, NY, Nevada, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington if it contains ivory, sorry. Please see our small print for more details.
