Skip to product information
Silver-Gilt Musical Snuff Box by François Nicole
Silver-Gilt Musical Snuff Box by François Nicole
https://www.youtube.com/embed/ibdclJTB9jo?autoplay=1&controls=1&showinfo=0&loop=1&modestbranding=1&rel=0
Silver-Gilt Musical Snuff Box by François Nicole
Silver-Gilt Musical Snuff Box by François Nicole
Silver-Gilt Musical Snuff Box by François Nicole
Silver-Gilt Musical Snuff Box by François Nicole

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

On Approval

Examine select works in person before you commit

125% Guarantee

125% Guarantee

Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years

Trusted Expertise

Trusted Expertise

Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists

Learn More

Silver-Gilt Musical Snuff Box by François Nicole

  • This exceptional silver-gilt musical snuff box was crafted by the famed François Nicole
  • The highly complex piece contains a musical movement that plays two airs
  • Such musical snuff boxes were once considered status symbols amongst the wealthy elite
  • Get complete item description here
$22,850
Item No. 30-7899

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

Description
This exceptional Swiss silver-gilt musical snuff box was crafted by the famed François Nicole. At first glance, the diminutive piece appears to simply be an exquisite 19th-century snuff box, with Neoclassical-style chased and engraved borders of foliage and flowering thistles. A quick wind of the key, however, reveals the complex mechanism hidden inside. The musical movement plays two airs with a fine single-piece comb of 61 teeth. The movement is in exceptional condition, complete with. . .
Read More
This exceptional Swiss silver-gilt musical snuff box was crafted by the famed François Nicole. At first glance, the diminutive piece appears to simply be an exquisite 19th-century snuff box, with Neoclassical-style chased and engraved borders of foliage and flowering thistles. A quick wind of the key, however, reveals the complex mechanism hidden inside. The musical movement plays two airs with a fine single-piece comb of 61 teeth. The movement is in exceptional condition, complete with its original key.

Once known as carillons à musique, musical snuff boxes were once considered status symbols amongst the wealthy elite. A step above the traditional snuff box, musical boxes helped to influence the development and popularity of all music box production in the 19th century.

Comb stamped "F. NICOLE"

Circa 1820

3 7/16" wide x 2 1/8" deep x 1" high
Read Less
Silver-Gilt Musical Snuff Box by François Nicole
Period: 19th Century
Origin: Switzerland
Type: Other
Depth: 2.13 in. (5.4 cm)
Width: 3.44 in. (8.73 cm)
Height: 1.0 in. (2.54 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

On Approval

Examine select works in person before you commit

125% Guarantee

125% Guarantee

Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years

Trusted Expertise

Trusted Expertise

Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists

Learn More

The M.S. Rau Difference

Bill Rau

Bill Rau Third-Generation Owner

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.

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.