Very unique, a late 18th century double portrait miniature table snuff box, trimmed out with mat and 2 rim mounts of 14k gold. The couple look directly at one another, silhouette pose which recalls even earlier portraits style of 18th century. I am not an expert at all in military uniforms, not enough to tell his rank, but she is wearing typical clothing fashion from French Revolutionary era or slightly before. He wears the typical c.1770s powdered pony tail and side-rolls. His dress uniform adorned with a medal someone will surely identify for me. A Maltese cross, not the one used on French Legion of Honor. Full measurements noted on the photos. Her face is 5/8", chin to hairline and his is only slightly larger. Seems likely to be a story to be had and an ID to be made. I do not see a signature. I did not take this one from its mount, fearing I'd bend or damage the thin gold mat in doing so. The glass is clean, no damage to the painting, itself. RARE to find a couple - RARER, still, to pair military man and wife or lover. Is it a mourning piece? We just do not know.
Very good to excellent condition throughout, age and type considered. Gold is acid-tested, relatively thin but not dented nor damaged, the box has been so well cared for these 250 or so years. Fine tortoise shell with no chips, cracks, hairlines or bug bites. As fine as they come. I just need more research (or a helping expert) to identify the uniform and medal. Thank you in advance if you can help. The painting is superb and the box is, as well.
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.
