Skip to product information
Duke and Duchess of Windsor Gold Snuff Box
Duke and Duchess of Windsor Gold Snuff Box
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

Duke and Duchess of Windsor Gold Snuff Box

  • This Louis XV gold snuff box is from the prestigious collection of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor
  • The engine-turned gold box originally sold at Sotheby’s historic Windsor sale in 1987
  • The Duke and Duchess were one of the most romantic and scandalous royal couples of the 20th century
  • Today, their prized possessions remain in high demand
  • Get complete item description here
$38,850
Item No. 31-2405

To speak to one of our experts, call 1-888-711-8084

Description
This important Louis XV gold snuff box is from the prestigious collection of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The engine-turned gold box originally sold at Sotheby’s historic sale The Jewels of the Late Duchess of Windsor, which was held in Geneva in April of 1987. Few other snuff boxes can claim such a distinguished provenance.

The Duke and Duchess remain one of the most romantic and scandalous royal couples of the 20th century,. . .
Read more
This important Louis XV gold snuff box is from the prestigious collection of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The engine-turned gold box originally sold at Sotheby’s historic sale The Jewels of the Late Duchess of Windsor, which was held in Geneva in April of 1987. Few other snuff boxes can claim such a distinguished provenance.

The Duke and Duchess remain one of the most romantic and scandalous royal couples of the 20th century, and possessions belonging to them are among the most desirable collectibles. Edward VIII, the fair-haired Prince of Wales, spent most of his youth touring the British Empire in preparation for being crowned King of England. Shortly after accepting the crown in 1936, he abdicated the throne to marry his beloved, Wallis Simpson, a twice-divorced American woman living in London.

After their marriage in 1937, Edward took the liberty of creating a title for himself and his new wife – the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The Windsors made their home in Paris at Bois du Bolougne, where they surrounded themselves with royal treasures. It is said that every surface of their home was covered with the finest silver, china and jeweled and gold boxes. The couple became the “King and Queen” of high society, running in social circles of movie stars, authors, playwrights and millionaires. They were and remain the epitome of glamour and sophistication.

The Duke died in 1972, and, following the Duchess’ death in 1987, their jewelry and accessories were sold at one of the most renowned auctions in recent history. Items sold for three times their expected price in Geneva, demonstrating an overwhelming nostalgia for the illustrious couple.

This important French snuff box from their historic collection is pictured on page 90 of The Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor, New York, 1987, by J. Clume and N. Rayner.

Bears the maker's mark of Dominique-François Poitreau, Paris, 1764/65

2 1/2" wide x 1 1/4" deep x 1 1/4" high
Read less
Duke and Duchess of Windsor Gold Snuff Box
Period: 18th Century
Origin: France
Type: Snuff/Tobacco Boxes
Style: Louis XV
Depth: 1.13 in. (2.86 cm)
Width: 2.5 in. (6.35 cm)
Height: 1.25 in. (3.18 cm)
Duke and Duchess of Windsor Gold Snuff Box
Royal Romance: King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson

Edward, Duke of Windsor, and Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor   Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David was born to rule the United Kingdom. Edward VIII, as he came to be known,...

Read more
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

Recently Viewed


The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry, and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning your trust and delivering only the very best pieces is our top priority.

-Bill Rau, Third-Generation Owner

Fine Art

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private. . .

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, M.S. Rau can support you on this journey.

Jewelry

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses. . .

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

Antiques

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. . .

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.

Whether you are just starting your collection, adding to an existing collection or even decorating your home, our team’s knowledge and experience can assist you in your endeavor. We have services and procedures in place to make your acquisition process both enjoyable and efficient.