William IV Scottish engine-turned silver snuff box, Edinburgh, 1832
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1832
This antique William IV era snuff box is a refined example of Scottish silversmithing, crafted in Edinburgh in 1832. The box is constructed from sterling silver and features a classic rectangular form, measuring 87mm in length.
A defining feature of this piece is its fine engine-turned finish, a popular decorative technique during the 19th century that utilizes mechanical lathes to create precise, intricate geometric patterns across the metal surface. The hinged cover is particularly notable for its detailed relief decoration, which depicts a scene of figures gathered within a courtyard setting. The lid is further enhanced by a relief-cast border featuring ornate scrolling foliate or floral motifs, providing a sophisticated contrast to the engine-turned sides.
The box represents the functional yet highly aesthetic nature of personal tobacco accessories common in the early Victorian period, combining the high-quality craftsmanship associated with Scottish silver production of the era with the elegant design sensibilities of the William IV reign.
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
- Form
- rectangular
- Length
- 87mm
- Material
- silver
Design
- Decoration
- engine-turned, relief scene of figures in a courtyard, relief-cast floral border
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
- James Nasmyth
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.