Exceptional Scrimshaw And Gold Box, Late 18th - 19th Century, United States War Of Independence

Exceptional is an extremely rare small ivory box engraved in the manner of scrimshaw, the fittings in 14k gold.

The box is rectangular. The lid is engraved in the manner of scrimshaws with a naval battle scene from the American War of Independence. It depicts a boat with an American flag confronting a defeated, burning boat carrying the flag of the United Kingdom.

This victorious scene makes it possible to attribute to this box an American origin contemporary with the War of Independence in the 18th century, or, at the latest, at the beginning of the 19th century.

The scene is finely detailed with great detail and transcribes the warlike atmosphere of these naval battles.

The escutcheon, the lock plate, the lock latch, the hinges and even the screws are in 14k gold.
The use of gold for all these fittings is remarkable. It accentuates its preciousness and demonstrates how carefully this box was made for a prestigious owner.
The gold is not hallmarked but has been acid tested.

The plates used for the walls are thick, the construction with tenons and mortises is of high quality.
Beautiful patina of the ivory.

The key is not present but the lock is functional. I tested it with the key of another box, a small but relatively standard model.

Museum quality piece, strong evidence of history with quality construction and the rare use of gold for all trim.



10 x 15.3cm
5.2cm tall

456 grams



Very good state. A hinge screw has been replaced and the two lock plate screws do not look original (these three screws are not gold)

Hand-delivered in Paris or sent by insured colissimo.

France: 20
Europe: 25
World: 55