Late Charles II silver oval tobacco box, London, circa 1683/4

This late 17th-century tobacco box is an oval vessel crafted from silver during the reign of King Charles II. Attributed to the London period around 1683-1684, the box features a decorative milled border along the edges of both the cover and the base.

The lid is adorned with an intricate, hand-engraved display of the armorial bearings of the Cowper family, who originated at Strode in Sussex. The underside of the base bears a secondary, later inscription reading 'Nathan Cooper'. The construction is marked with a maker's mark consisting of the initials 'RI' with a pellet below, which is identified in Jackson's reference (p. 139). With a length of 93 millimeters and a total weight of 5.1 ounces, this piece serves as a sophisticated example of restoration-era English silversmithing.

The specific armorial engraving lacks distinctions for knightly or baronetcy status, suggesting it may have been commissioned before such honors were awarded to the family or by a member who did not hold those specific ranks at the time.