Superb early 1800s French snuff box or bonbon box with a generously wide mount of 12k gold (tested) and a superb portrait miniature set under the original slightly convex cover glass. The miniature seems to me to be a rather unique one, almost a drawing that has been also painted in primarily grisaille, but with slight skin tone. Beautifully done, I do not see a signature. Gentleman's dress is that of a much earlier time, so this might be one done of a full-sized earlier painting, either for souvenir of family, or an heirloom piece. I want to call the man a Viceroy, but of course we have no identity. Such eyes! Very good to excellent for age and type.
Very nice condition, it has only a couple of very tiny bug bites and a little surface abrasion to the gold band to show for it's very advanced age. Original cover glass in place, no damage and it is slightly convex, as expected. A superb piece! The box is 2 3/8" diameter and 7/8" high when closed.
