William IV Sterling Silver Engine-Turned Snuff Box, Joseph Willmore, 1834
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1834
This William IV sterling silver snuff box, hallmarked in Birmingham in 1834, is a refined example of 19th-century silversmithing by Joseph Willmore. The box is constructed in a rectangular form with a hinged cover featuring an all-over linear engine-turned pattern.
A decorative foliate thumbpiece adds an elegant detail to the closure mechanism. The interior of the box is finished with a gilt wash, a common practice to protect the silver from the corrosive effects of snuff. The cover is personalised with a presentation inscription reading: 'Edward Lamb / as a token of regard / to his friend / Captn. Garnett'. With a total weight of 44 grams and compact dimensions of 6 cm by 3.5 cm, this piece exemplifies the functional and aesthetic quality of the period.
The combination of precision engine-turning and the hand-engraved dedication reflects the intersection of industrial technique and sentimental gifting practices during the early Victorian era.
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
- Weight
- 44gm
- Interior
- gilt wash
- Material
- sterling silver
- Dimensions
- 6cm x 3.5cm
Technical characteristics
- Hallmark
- Birmingham, 1834
- Construction
- hinged cover
Design
- Form
- rectangular
- Pattern
- linear engine-turned
- Inscription
- Edward Lamb as a token of regard to his friend Captn. Garnett
- Ornamentation
- foliate thumbpiece
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
- Joseph Willmore
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.