Fine antique French hallmarked sterling silver & Russian style niello snuff box with ornate inlaid decoration & figural pastoral scene with man on horse! One would think that this was of Russian origins just at a glance but looking closer you see that it bears the post-1838 French Minerve or Minerva hallmark, nearly hidden but the tiny number "1" within that mark means the piece is in .950 silver (95% pure and so above the .925 standard for "sterling" silver). There silversmith marks is there but illegible, another mark, faint but there, appears to be "A.P." but I've not found reference as of listing. A wonderful collectors' piece.
Very good condition, age considered. There is some wear to the niello overlay but no dents, damage or repairs that I can see. There interior shows it was original gold plated vermeil but has extensive age tarnish and wear to the vermeil. See pictures for weight and measurements.
