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18th-Century English Agate Snuff Box
18th-Century English Agate Snuff Box
18th-Century English Agate Snuff Box
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18th-Century English Agate Snuff Box

  • This beautiful early Georgian snuff box is composed of richly patterned agate
  • Finely chiseled 10K gold borders the base and lid
  • Agate has a distinguished history in the decorative arts, making this piece particularly desirable
  • An early snuff box of this quality and condition is a rare find
  • Get complete item description here
$24,500
Item No. 30-7603

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Description
Trimmed in elegant yellow gold is this polished English agate snuff box. Distinguished by the dynamic patterning of the agate, the exquisite vessel is the finely chiseled 10K gold foliage, which provides a beautiful contrast. Symbols of luxury and social status, snuff boxes were created using only the finest materials, including gold, silver, tortoiseshell, and as is the case in the present example, exquisite agate, which has a long and distinguished history for its use in. . .
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Trimmed in elegant yellow gold is this polished English agate snuff box. Distinguished by the dynamic patterning of the agate, the exquisite vessel is the finely chiseled 10K gold foliage, which provides a beautiful contrast. Symbols of luxury and social status, snuff boxes were created using only the finest materials, including gold, silver, tortoiseshell, and as is the case in the present example, exquisite agate, which has a long and distinguished history for its use in the decorative arts. 

The “taking of snuff” was a very social activity among Europe’s elite for centuries. It is said that Queens Anne and Charlotte enjoyed snuff to such an extent, that nearly every member of their courts partook in the habit. Catherine de’ Medici even used snuff to treat her son's persistent migraines, and many credit her belief in its therapeutic properties with the popularization of snuff among the nobility.  

English, circa 1730

3 3/8" wide x 2 11/16" deep x 1 5/16" high
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18th-Century English Agate Snuff Box
Period: 18th Century
Origin: England
Type: Snuff/Tobacco Boxes
Depth: 2.69 Inches
Width: 3.38 Inches
Height: 1.31 Inches
Style: Georgian
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

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The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

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Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

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