German carved snuff box, 1840
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1840
This antique snuff box features a flattened form, attributed to German origin and dated 1840. The construction incorporates nickel silver and brass mounts, which are secured with small tacks along the exterior.
The box is decorated with intricate carvings on both faces. The front panel depicts a scene featuring a man and a cow, accompanied by the inscription "B. SEELLNACHT" and the year "1840" engraved into the surface. The reverse side is adorned with a carved star motif flanked by quarter fan designs. Measuring 4 inches in length, the box exhibits an aged finish consistent with its mid-19th-century origin. The design utilizes a hinged lid mechanism, which remains tight.
This piece represents a functional and decorative example of historical snuff-taking accessories, reflecting the craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities of its era through its combination of metalwork and relief carving.
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
- Length
- 4 inches
- Material
- nickel silver, brass
Design
- Obverse
- carving of a man and a cow, inscription B. SEELLNACHT, date 1840
- Reverse
- carving of a star and quarter fans
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
- B. Seellnacht
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.