An extremely rare George III Secret Compartment Snuff Box made in Birmingham in 1817 by John Shaw.
An extremely rare George III Secret Compartment Snuff Box made in Birmingham in 1817 by John Shaw.
375389
The box is modelled in a curved form and is engraved all over with diamond lozenge pattern each containing prick dot decoration on a scratch engraved ground. This piece has an attractive shaped thumbpiece and an oval bright cut cartouche on the cover which is engraved with a set of initials. The interior is very well marked and finely gilded. Most interestingly is that the side has a secret hinged compartment with a frame inside to insert a love token, possibly a tiny portrait miniature or a platted panel of hair. This is the first time we have ever seen this design, which leads us to think that it may well have been a special commission, for a betrothed couple or to keep a memento mori. The box is in outstanding condition.
Length: 2.5 inches, 6.25 cm.
Width: 1.75 inches, 4.38 cm.
Height: 0.75 inches, 1.88 cm.
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