Cape Colony silver table snuff box by Thomas Stephenson, 1853
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c.1840-1869
This Cape silver table snuff box is a rectangular presentation piece crafted by Thomas Stephenson in the mid-19th century. Measuring 11.3 cm in length and 2.5 cm in height, the snuff box has a weight of 270 grams and features a gilt interior.
The hinged cover is elaborately decorated with an engraved outline of Table Mountain, surrounded by a cartouche of acanthus leaves and a bird. The sides and base are similarly engraved, and the entire exterior is moulded in relief with foliate borders. The lid bears an inscription dated 1853, recording its presentation by the Officers, Serjeants, and Men of the Cape Town Police to their superior Officer, John King Esq.
The interior includes a further inscription commemorating King's 24 years of service, dated 23 November 1853. Such silver boxes were frequently utilized as significant presentation gifts during this period in the Cape Colony, reflecting the cultural popularity of snuff-taking.
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
- Height
- 2.5cm
- Length
- 11.3cm
- Weight
- 270g
- Material
- Cape silver, gilt interior
Technical characteristics
- Form
- rectangular table snuff box
- Construction
- hinged cover, moulded in relief
Design
- Engraving
- Table Mountain, acanthus leaves, bird, foliate borders
- Inscriptions
- PRESENTED BY THE Officers, Serjeants & Men of the Cape Town Police to their much respected superior Officer John King Esq 1853; Presented on the 23rd November 1853 after a period of 24 years Service in the Police Force
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.
- Maker named in listing
- Thomas Stephenson
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.