Antique Scottish Hardstone and Gilt Brass Oval Snuff Box C. 1880

Details

Description

A fine antique Scottish oval snuff or trinket box, formed with a gilt brass mount and inset polished hardstone panels. … Read more A fine antique Scottish oval snuff or trinket box, formed with a gilt brass mount and inset polished hardstone panels. The lid is arranged in a distinctive checkerboard specimen pattern, using contrasting stones in deep red, cream, grey, amber, and dark green tones, while the opposing panel displays a richly banded agate with translucent brown, honey, and white crystalline formations. The brass body is decorated with a finely patterned engine-turned or guilloche-style band, giving the small object a refined jewel-like surface.

Scottish hardstone and agate boxes were especially admired during the 19th century, when polished native stones were used in small luxury objects, jewelry, snuff boxes, brooches, and keepsakes. This example’s use of variegated agate and contrasting hardstone panels accords well with that tradition, and its compact oval form, hinged construction, and gilt brass mount place it among Victorian-era Scottish agate snuff or pill boxes.

Measurements: 2" w x 1.5" d x .75" h. See less