What a fine mid-late 1700s or possibly c.1800 at latest. A rare and exquisite snuff box, decorated in Vernis Martin, layered oil paint and varnish, here used in a solid mauve-ish color (truest color seen on the star-studded bottom of box), and the trimmed out in 18k gold pique stars, wrapped edging and another trim encircling both top and bottom halves. Topping that is the 18k 1" diameter gold medallion solidly mounted at center top. Likely a gentleman's snuff, it's a gem for any luxurious 18th century collection. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, with only a few star pique and trim bars lost to the ages, but no chips, no cracks and no bug bites. Perfect tortoise shell inner lining, thin and undamaged rim or inner lip. Such a splendid snuff.
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.
