DESCRIPTION
Antique 19th Century French very rare silver gilt musical snuff box, of traditional form, the base and the cover with panels of peaked-pattern engine turning within stamped sable boarders, the same pattern is repeated along the sides. Comes with its original key and works by sliding the left button to the right.
A musical snuff box would have sat at a lady's dressing tble, or played to amuse one's guests when ordering snuff, for its makers, it also served as a show of skill, the idea was to show the craftsmanship of both the goldsmith and maker of musical instruments - the practise having florished in Geneva and Paris in the late 18th Century.
Hallmarked French Silver (800 standard), Paris, Guarantee mark 'Moyenne', year 1808-1819, Maker's mark Unknown to me.
CONDITION
In Great Condition - No Damage.
SIZE
Length: 8.7cm
Width: 5.4 x 2.5cm
Weight: 253g