I have not yet researched the hallmarks and rather anticipated the gold would test 18k on this stunning old snuff box, but in fact we have a test of 15k gold, instead. That eliminates it from being French, though the style is certainly French, since neither the marks nor the 15k standard are historically French goods. But what we do have here is a kiln-fired enamel plaque, beautifully done in 'grisaille' or monocromatic shades of gray, and then with an applied accented background of deep pink to reddish color enamel in the recesses, as visible. The work is beautifully done. The gold is all present but a small strip of it on the very bottom, underside of the snuff box, as shown. As a display item in your collection or vitrine, that little flaw will never show. An amazing piece, sure to thrill you.
That interior is without damage, not a single nip or chip or bite along the rim or exterior - quite rare in this material and age. We'd place it mid-1800s owing to the 15k gold and the form and style, yet it could be earlier. Each band of gold has hallmark punchmarks, and we've detailed them for your own research. A gorgeous depiction in enamel of classical figures, here it's Cupid and perhaps Psyche but in a mourning type setting, so perhaps only Cupid as love representation for the beloved or mourned. There is evidence there on the lid of a gold trim gone missing, (note the pins there), but the aesthetic of the snuff box is little altered by its lack, as you can see - it's superb as it stands. Very good to excellent for age and type, as noted above.
