Continental gold and enamel snuff box with landscape paintings
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1829-1833
This Continental rectangular snuff box is crafted from yellow metal, likely at least 18ct gold, and is attributed to Swiss production, though it remains unmarked.
The box features intricate en plein enamel work on both the lid and base, depicting distinct landscape views of a villa. The decorative scheme is complemented by varied borders: one side showcases a foliate pattern set against a black enamel ground, while another side is adorned with polychrome enamel motifs of flora and birds. The edges of the box bear inscriptions reading "Nice, Nov 2 1829" and "Nice, 2 Nov 1833". The piece measures 10 x 6.5 x 1 cm and has a weight of 161 grams.
The enamel shows minor age-related wear, including some hairline cracks in the sky of the first view and slight surface scratching across the decorative borders. The box mechanism functions effectively, opening and closing securely. This listing also includes a copy of the 9th edition of "Joy of Israel," published in 1828.
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
- 161g
- Material
- Yellow metal (assumed at least 18ct gold), enamel
- Dimensions
- 10 x 6.5 x 1 cm
Technical characteristics
- Marks
- unmarked
Design
- Decoration
- En plein enamel landscape views of a villa, polychrome enamel flora and birds, foliate border on black enamel ground
- Inscriptions
- Nice, Nov 2 1829; Nice, 2 Nov 1833
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.