In the style of a century earlier, Louis XV to XVI era, this fine French sterling silver and 18k 'vermeil' snuff box shows all the very tiny French poincon (punch marks) for 1800s, shown but I couldn't capture the silversmith's mark clearly enough to show. We did look for it in our reference books, both as an LS and and ES with caduceus between, and we have not found the registration dates or ID of the silversmith yet. Will continue to search. That aside, it's heavy in the hand and as beautiful as a jewel. Snuff or patch or trinket box, there are 5 panels of cobalt and white enamel decorating the oval box and a separate portrait convex plaque mounted as cartouche or focal point up top. Typical French Romantic era theme, we see a young maiden in garden setting, the symbol of her virtue (unbroken jug left foreground) intact, but she's being coerced by a pesky little Cupid. You see her pushing him away. A charming and very adept handling of the very difficult kiln-fired enamel art. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent throughout, age and type considered. I find no chips in the enamels, no hairlines or cracks - a very little bit of surface abrasion evidencing the age, which I estimate as c.1860-1900. Same with the little convex plaque - fully intact. Hinge and clasp smooth and working fine, it closes tightly and well. Interior 18k gold vermeil is brightest, and that of the exterior has evidence of polishing, yet remains almost entirely well-coated.Displays beautifully!
