Rare And Large Late 18th c. Staffordshire Enamel Snuff Box for Sale

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Rare And Large Late 18th c. Staffordshire Enamel Snuff Box For Sale

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Rare And Large Late 18th c. Staffordshire Enamel Snuff Box:
$599.95

This is an especially fine and, I believe, rare snuff box, made in Staffordshire c. 1780. Enamel on copper, it’s in the French taste, with an extravagantly gilt-decorated cobalt blue base, and exquisitely painted floral sprays on a white ground appearing in lozenges on every side, including undeneath. The interior is glazed throughout in white, with another floral embellishment within its bottom. The tight border fittings on both top and bottom are completely gilded, but some copper shows along its hinge, which is solid as ever.

It’s rather large at 4” long, 1 1/2” or so wide, and 1 3/4” high. I think it’s a pocket (or reticule) snuff rather than a table snuff however, owing to its boat form, and its construction, which ensures secure housing of its contents when carried.

Certainly it’s a court-worthy snuff of the George III era; one might even offer a pinch to Queen Charlotte, known as ‘Old Snuffy’ for her habit! Yes, ladies even of the best society took snuff. Was this a lady’s snuff? Or a dandy’s?

Condition is very good. The box retains 100% of its enamel and gilding. There are hairline cracks to the enamel within and on either end on the exterior, all completely stable. The flower painting is extraordinarily good, as is the gilding. Is this the work of the noted “Butterfly Painter”? No tell tale butterfly, but this may be an early one of his, I’m looking into it.

Stay tuned if so the price may jump 😉

Please do contact me if you’d like more photos or have any questions I’ll be happy to help.