Antique carved wooden tabattiere or snuff box. Measures a total of 4 1/2 inches in length. Without the cap / finial: 3 inches long. Beautifully hand carved wooden container for snuff or tobacco. Acorn in shape with a long, crowning cap or finial at one end that continues the botanical theme. The entire surface is carved with flowers and scrolling foliage, finely detailed and with delicate openwork throughout. In front is a badge shaped reserve, which could be engraved with a monogram (none was ever done). The box screws open in the middle. Fits snugly. This is an unusual example in that it has the screw-on cap or finial on top, with a narrow opening. Condition is good. There is a negligible surface age crack on the upper portion, that in no way detracts from the piece. Origin & Date: we have had a number of very similar items that came from France and dated to the 18th century. This particular example may be a slightly later (19th century) version from India. Buyer can decide based on the enlarged ''photos. We had an email that reads: I believe it is a pomander box made from coquilla nut. These palm nuts are quite small, and larger items made using the threaded ring technique. It is frequently used in the constuction of figural snuff boxes, as well. Possibly had a base and stem at one time. One reference book I have claims these pierced pomander boxes pierced ''eggs'' were sold outside of churches in France and Italy in Victorian days, and contained a rosary of the same material. Thank you. Status: For Sale Reference#: 3793 Condition: good Year: 1860 Title: ANTIQUE FRENCH CARVED WOOD TABATTIERE SNUFF BOX

Instruments and Implements
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