20k yellow gold snuff box with engine-turned decoration
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
20th Century
This 20th-century snuff box is crafted from 20k yellow gold, identified through XRF testing. The vessel features a cut-cornered rectangular body, demonstrating precise metalwork and fine craftsmanship.
Both the lid and the base are embellished with intricate geometric engine turning, which provides a textured, decorative finish. This central pattern is complemented by a delicate chased foliage border that runs along the edges of the box, offering a sophisticated contrast to the linear engine-turned details. The interior lid surface includes an engraved inscription. The box measures approximately 3/4 inches in height, 3 1/4 inches in width, and 1 1/4 inches in depth, with a total weight of 60.21 dwts.
While the maker is not identified by name, the right edge bears a stamped maker's mark. The object is in good condition, showing only light wear consistent with normal use, reflecting its functional history as a container for snuff or small personal items.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Weight
- 60.21 dwts
- Material
- 20k yellow gold
- Dimensions
- 0.75 x 3.25 x 1.25 inches
Technical characteristics
- Testing
- XRF tested as 20k gold
Design
- Shape
- cut-cornered rectangular
- Markings
- stamped maker's mark on right edge, engraved inside lid
- Decoration
- geometric engine turning with chased foliage border
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.