There is a wonderful tiny boutique on a tiny street near St. Paul's in the Marais, Paris, where for decades I have visited every trip just to look at the shoe and boot snuffs (and their very elevated prices). One might think they're not as rare as they are - the gentleman who's kept the boutique for a lifetime is perhaps the single most prolific collector. Always fun to compare his with the ones I've found over my long lifetime of collecting them. Based on price, you can buy mine and probably sell them to him and make a little bit in the transaction. He knows his price! But I digress. We have this very large one to add to a few we still have in inventory - you can see how they group and compare - in case you must stop at just one. This one has a rather unique rectangular bone carved portrait plaque. Often said these were popular crafts among Napoleonic and earlier prisoners of war, though in fact most date 18th century, last half. I know they were popular through to c.1850s, as Grand Tour travelers found them charming. I must give you a date range that spans nearly a century, to be accurate. It has wonderful pique and stringing, which is part of the artistry and appeal. Just in from France. Full measurements noted on our photos.
Very good to excellent condition, 6.5" in length and with lots of tiny brass 'pique' trimming out the shoe or boot (sabot) snuff to look like the stylish shoes of their era. Contrasting wood stains and elegant pique work capture the eye and heart. The lid is hinged well, no warp nor damage and it opens and closes tightly. No chips or cracks. A little showpiece! It would be more original if it had the small carved profile of a soldier or Frenchman or woman there as the oval, but this one has an engraved oval of mother of pearl, instead. The others shown in our final image are offered separately.
