Early Classical silver snuff box by Johann Esaias Niggus, Augsburg, 1783-85
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1783–85
This Early Classical snuff box is a fine example of 18th-century Augsburg silversmithing, crafted by Johann Esaias Niggus between 1783 and 1785. The container is constructed from 12-lötige silver and features an elegant oval form with a hinged lid.
The exterior surfaces exhibit meticulous engraving, with the sides decorated by a continuous garland of leaves and festoons interspersed with rosette medallions. The lid is similarly adorned with a delicate leaf frieze framing a central oval medallion that depicts a censer. Internally, the snuff box is finished with gilding, providing a luxurious contrast to the exterior silver work. The object measures approximately 3.4 cm in height, 7.8 cm in length, and 5.5 cm in width, with a weight of approximately 99 grams.
This piece showcases the refined aesthetics of the period, balancing structural simplicity with sophisticated ornamental detail.
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
- Finish
- gilded interior
- Weight
- 99 g
- Material
- 12-lötige silver
- Dimensions
- 3.4 x 7.8 x 5.5 cm
Technical characteristics
- Type
- hinged lid snuff box
Design
- Motif
- central oval medallion with censer
- Ornamentation
- engraved leaf frieze, festoons, rosettes
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
- Johann Esaias Niggus
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.