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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
$27,420
Item No.
30-7899
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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. . .
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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
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
Specifications
| 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
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
