Museum - Sterzinger Snuffbox - Saint Georges Snuffbox - Tobacco Box - Scrimshaw

Early 19th century South Tyrol Beautiful snuffbox with rich decoration, hand engraved. The upper part of the snuffbox and the lid was cut from horn, the different parts are assembled by small brass pegs. The lower part of the snuffbox is decorated with Saint George of Lydda holding his spear and shield, surrounded by floral garlands. Beautiful decorative register of flowers in a band and inscription in German (to be translated) around the edge of the upper part. On the lid, representation of a dog in profile intertwined with floral motifs and a headband. Wrought iron hinge. Most of these small horn snuff boxes are dated by literature to the beginning of the 19th century; it seems that the town of Sterzing in South Tyrol (today Vipiteno, province of Bolzano, IT) made it a specialty. Other authors give them for scrimshaws, namely for the crafts of idle sailors between two sperm whale hunts... Note: Two slight cracks restored on the upper part, horn cracks next to Saint George, the snuffbox remains in very good condition for its age. Iconography for similar copies: Katalog des Österreichischen Tabakmuseums "Snuff Boxes" Dimensions: Length: 7 cm