Antique ivory, gold, gem and pearl snuff box with fox crest and Memento Mori memorial / mourning miniature portrait. Made in England circa 1800. Elongated oval is slightly under 4 1/4 inches long. Ivory top and bottom with gold mounts. Gold disc with engraved monogram - beautifully written double R''s. A sturdy gold hinge to open the lid. A small applied Tudor Rose and then a gold frame with original convex glass over a Memento Mori memorial miniature vignette, with a woman seated besides a characteristic funerary pillar or tombstone in a landscape. On the pillar is a gold wire-work basket in different shades of gold, containing fruit made of pearls and gems (turquoise and lapis lazuli). THe edge of the ivory is protected with a gold horse-shoe border with hallmarks on it''s underside. Beneath this, on the front of the box is a rare crest, engraved with a fox. The fox is beautifully depicted in full gallop - little devillish ears and tongue, bushy tail stretched out behind him. Hallmarks look French. Good condition. Status: For Sale Reference#: 3737 Condition: good Year: 1800 Title: ANTIQUE IVORY GOLD PEARL SNUFF BOX, FOX CREST, MEMORIAL
Instruments and Implements Antique Smoking Related
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