Snuff Box In Rock Crystal (?), Gold Enamel & Miniature Painting / Enamel. 19th Century

Exceptional crystal box mounted in gold enameled in the taste of the 18th century.

The box is oval, in transparent crystal. Traditionally, these boxes were made of rock crystal. There are tiny "bubble" inclusions, parallel traces on the base that could be traces of tools and the material is colder than glass. For these reasons, it could be rock crystal but I am not sure.

The box is decorated with superb and wide yellow gold rings enameled with colored leaves and half pearls.

A magnificent miniature on enamel adorns the center of the lid. It represents a couple in love in a garden. The scene is of great finesse, with many details, very bright colors, signs of the miniaturist's virtuosity.

The mount is hallmarked:
. Double listel eagle's head for 18k gold between 1847 and 1994
. Trace of illegible master's mark

This box is therefore a manufacture of the second half of the 19th century, or beginning of the 20th century, in the taste of the 18th century. The imitation is strikingly realistic by the quality of manufacture, enameling or painting on enamel. This is certainly the work of a virtuoso goldsmith admiring French goldsmithing of the Ancien Régime.

7.9 x 5.2 cm
3.2 cm high

108.8 grams

Good condition except for an unfortunate chip on the back, "fortunately" rather well placed and not very visible from the front. Some losses to the enamel half-pearls, on the sides of the lid.

Hand delivery in Paris or insured Colissimo shipping.

France: €15
Europe: €20
World: €35