Antique sterling silver and gemstone snuff box
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Antique
This antique rectangular snuff box is crafted from sterling silver and features elaborate ornamental decoration on its lid. The central motif is a prominent, circular cabochon-cut coral piece, surrounded by a floral-shaped element comprising white enamel petals with painted accents.
Radiating from this center are several small, faceted dark-red gemstone segments. The surrounding field of the lid is heavily embellished with a dense, filigree-like metalwork pattern of scrolling vines, accented throughout with additional coral beads and small, iridescent opals. The overall design exhibits a rich, ornate aesthetic with a gilded finish applied to the detailed surface area. The snuff box has a weight of 82.20 grams.
Snuff boxes of this period were designed to hold powdered tobacco, typically used as a social accessory, and were often decorative status objects. The piece demonstrates fine craftsmanship in the combination of precious metals, colored gemstones, and enamel work to create a highly textured and visually intricate surface.
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
- 82.20g
- Material
- Sterling silver, coral, opal
Design
- Gemstones
- Coral, opal
- Decoration
- Enamel floral motif, filigree-style metalwork
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.