Charles II sterling silver oval tobacco box, London, c. 1691

This antique tobacco box dates to the late 17th century, specifically identified as being from London, England, circa 1691. Crafted from sterling silver, the piece features an elegant oval profile and is constructed with a pull-off lid.

The lid is elaborately decorated with fine hand-engraving, displaying a heraldic shield containing four birds situated within a chevron field. This shield is surmounted by a knight's helmet and a crest depicting a lion rampant holding a staff, all surrounded by intricate foliate scrollwork. The edges of both the lid and the base are finished with a distinct twisted wire border, providing a textural contrast to the smooth, unadorned surfaces of the container's sides and reverse.

The box measures approximately 3 1/2 inches in length and 2 7/8 inches in width, with a total weight of 3.695 gross troy ounces. This historical object serves as a refined example of Restoration-era metalwork, reflecting the aesthetic preferences and craftsmanship characteristic of the late Charles II or early William and Mary period.