German gold-mounted red jasper table snuff box with gemstones
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1850
This impressive table snuff box is of circular form and is believed to be of German origin, dating to approximately 1850. The main body of the box is constructed from polished red jasper panels, which are separated and bordered by intricately chased gold mounts.
The hinged cover is the focal point of the design, featuring an elaborate openwork silver floral basket and wreath motif. This decorative element is heavily embellished with rose-cut diamonds and a variety of coloured gemstones, including rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. These stones are secured within closed gold collet settings. The central design depicts a fan-shaped basket from which scrolling foliage and flowers emerge, all framed within a shaped gold rim.
The craftsmanship reflects the 19th-century historicist movement that sought to emulate Renaissance and Baroque goldsmithing traditions. The box measures 8cm in diameter and 4.25cm in height, with a total weight of approximately 255.1 grams (8.2ozt). It appears to be unmarked.
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
- 4.25cm
- Weight
- 255.1g / 8.2ozt
- Diameter
- 8cm
- Material
- Red jasper, gold, silver, rose-cut diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires
Technical characteristics
- Settings
- Closed gold collet settings
- Construction
- Gold-mounted, openwork silver application
Design
- Form
- Circular
- Motif
- Floral basket and wreath with scrolling foliage
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.