I've had this one for decades. I always loved the theme and painting on this rather simple Victorian era papier mache snuff box, or "pinch" box. Were it French, it could also be thought of as a patch box, at less than 3" in diameter. It's not among the grandest, but I find the image endearing. The gallant with his fallen steed, perhaps an old battle scene. Shown inside and out, measurements on photos.
Very good to excellent for age and type. Most often these early papier mache or composition wood snuffs don't fare so well, and usually have chips or breaks. This one shows age, you can see some crazing to the paint, bottom side, and nicks to the paint on the bounded edges of top and bottom where it's been bumped or just well-used. The top, however, is superb. It has the feel of the old French Vernis Martin paintings, layered oil paint with varnish, often giving them a darkening or golden glow. I think this one started as an early transfer which is hand colored.
