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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
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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Specifications
| Period: | 18th Century |
| Origin: | England |
| Type: | Snuff/Tobacco Boxes |
| Style: | Georgian |
| Depth: | 2.69 in. (6.83 cm) |
| Width: | 3.38 in. (8.57 cm) |
| Height: | 1.31 in. (3.34 cm) |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
