A museum piece, this superb late 18th century snuff box, patch or bonbon box is in a layered lacquer decorative style which was popular alongside another lacquer processs known as Vernis Martin, (layering of paint and varnish to achieve a unique surface), an is created with multiple layers of colored lacquer over a base of lathe-turned wood. It employs early hammered foil in a deep pink, similar to that used with the old Vernis Martin items, but in this case the foil is a backing for what I am sure is an 18k gold plaque. The mount is very tightly attached, and I can't easily remove it to open from back to test, but the look, the era, the decorative style and the fact that the mount has the thin plaque layer which tests 18k, plus lack of any sign of tarnish at all, makes me almost certain that ornate plaque within is 18k. I've tried to get a photo of it from side (see images) to show the depth - it's not a simple foil, it is a plaque. Superb little treasure from Louis XVI era to perhaps 1800. Interior is not shell, but additional lacquer work to mimic it. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type - you know us: All the best, all the time! This one is particularly unique and also in superb condition - convex cover glass to the lacquer finish, hardly a surface abrasion to show for its 250 or so years.
