17th Century Bronze Tobacco Grater

Interesting bronze and iron pocket tobacco grater from the second half of the 17th century. Low relief decoration featuring an angel holding a laurel wreath in his right hand and a flag in his left hand, he flies over battle elements such as cannon, lances, powder barrel; above his head an animated crescent moon. The historical scene honors the battle under Louis XIV against the Netherlands, called: Crossing the Rhine in June 1672. This battle has been taken up many times by sculptors, painters and other master craftsmen of the time, I attach as an illustration the photo of a painting attributed to Mignard. Fabulous wear of time which has "softened" all the reliefs. The back has its original grater in very good condition, made of a sheet of metal pierced with holes. The curved part in the shape of a scallop shell was used to collect the tobacco powder. Snuff remained expensive, so it was useful for privileged people to have their own personal tobacco grater. Note: a very authentic everyday object, a true witness to history. I am attaching a photo of a fairly recent sale result. Delivery: €10 for mainland France.