This is the smallest portrait miniature box in my collections, not even 2" in diameter, but made like larger snuff boxes. Patch box size (boite a' mouche), or even smaller, the portrait miniature is a Royal, crown to the back of her head and ermine-trimmed royal blue robe. I do not recognize her, however, and rather than a c.1600s to 1700s historical figure, I rather think this one might be an early 1800s Grand Tour souvenir box and portrait instead. It just has that feel to it. A little novelty, it would be charming as a powder or snuff box in one of you Bru (and etc.,) antique doll collector's doll houses. Full measurements noted on photos, but her face is only 3/8", chin to hairline.
Good to very good for age and materials, but while it will display well, it does have a flaw. I've shown it and marked with X the fact that the backside side panel of the lid has a section missing, chipped away and lost. It doesn't show in display settings where you can easily turn it to the back, but in a full-round exposure, you'll definitely see it. Looking at it from the top, you won't see it at all. Otherwise, it is complete and without damage. The box is old tortoise shell, no bites, no cracks - just the broken part. Cover glass is convex, pristine, and the painting is excellent. Likely over 150 years old, minimum, a unique tiny gem of a box.
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.
