Unusual Georgian Silver Snuff Box Engraved Mother Of Pearl Panels

Unusual Georgian Silver Snuff Box Engraved Mother Of Pearl Panels

Code: EA0915

SOLD

Fabulous Georgian silver snuff box, c.1800, set with 3 separate mother of pearl panels, each engraved and enamelled in black, like a niello, with a different scene. The lid has a humerous note with a cockerill coming across a newly hatched chick with the joke "does your mother know your out". On the underside of the lid is another comical scene of a runaway horse and trap with the phrase "going down to the mill" and the bottom of the box has a scene of a city with buildings and shops and street life including a dray horse and a large sign saying "Bourne and Haigh". The silver is unmarked but tested, I wonder if the previous name is a cute maker's mark but I cannot find any reference myself. The lip to the front is decoratively engraved. One of the lovliest snuff boxes I have come across and certain to enhance any collection.


It measures 3 3/8" long, 1 3/4" wide and 5/8" deep.

Condition is excellent with no damage or dents and very light surface wear for age and use. The panels are in particularly good order, the one inside having a little more wear than the others, but this box has clearly been well looked after over the years.