Late 1800s portrait miniature snuff box, elegant cognac to chocolate mottled tortoise shell which presents in excellent condition for age and type. A full-top portrait miniature of a matron in fine attire of her time (c.1790s), a low bodice, lace bonnet and her long gold chain and earrings. I don't see a signature, though I have not taken this one apart, and sometimes it is the case that a signature is on the very rim, or even noted on backing. From my own collections of decades, being disbursed. Full measurements noted on the photos. Her face is just 1/2", chin to hairline.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, the box is superb, with only a couple of small bug bites on bottom and one on inner rim (shown in detail). More typically there will be chips on that slender inner lip/rim. The original convex cover glass and outer mounting, which has a plate/plaque surface of 18k gold, is nicely in place and doesn't appear to have ever been removed. The interior glass is clean, and the painting is nicely preserved, as shown. There is one small dent on the gold mat at about the 6:30 position. NOTE: I've shown it against some period silk embroidery panels, and those are NOT INCLUDED in the offering. Just to balance color.
