Tobacco box, silver, 18th century

[Queen Victoria interest] A Dutch silver tobacco box and cover, bearing Dutch pseudo marks, in mid 18th century style, square with inset curved angles, with a bud finial to the high domed panelled cover engraved with shells and foliage, the base with further foliage, on four scroll and leaf feet, engraved with the arms of Sir Francis Simpkinson and of the Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn to the cover, the base engraved This Inkstand was used by Her Majesty Queen Victoria on the occasion of her visit to Lincoln's Inn the 30th October 1845, and presented to Sir Francis Simkinson, Knight, Treasurer , with a later unmarked detachable inkstand liner, remains of gilding, 15.5cm (6 1/4in) high, 12.5cm (5in) square, 797g (25.65 oz) Queen Victoria opened the New Hall at Lincoln's Inn on 30th October 1845.

Sir John Augustus Francis Simpkinson, son of John Simpkinson of Geneva, educated at Christ Church, Oxford, matriculated 19th May 1798, aged 17; B.A. 1802, M.A. 1804, barrister-at-law, Lincoln's Inn, 1806, K.C. and a bencher 1831; treasurer, and knighted October 1845, F.R.S., died 8 July, 1851. He is buried under the Chapel at Lincoln's Inn.