SNUFFS AND MISCELLANEOUS:

Snuffboxes are an incredible category - they can span from the early 17th century to the late 19th century and were created in every material under the sun. Though they were created for all classes, our interest lies with those that were created more for the middle and upper middle class. These boxes are less formal than jewel encrusted gold boxes and frankly a hell of a lot more interesting - boxes made of carved wood, horn or ivory and black lacquered papier mache boxes with esquisite miniature erotic scenes painted upon them and those which have American and/or historical interest. Here you will also find choice smalls from the 17th - early 19th century.

Erotic SnuffboXXX - Girls In Uniform

Circa: 1820
Size: 3 1/2" D

Cover has two officers with 7 women cadets (text reads "7 Maedchen in Uniform" - translates "7 Girls in Uniform") - the false bottom reveals....well you see what it reveals....the inspection of 7 said cadets! German black lacquered box with gold foil top and polychromed interior.

SOLD

ENGLISH IVORY TEETOTUM ON STAND

Circa: 1680-1710
Size: (ball) 1 3/4" D; (stand) 3" H x 2" W

Carved from marine ivory each of the thirty-two faceted sides are numbered. Only a few such examples are known - none with a stand.

Related literature: see, The Adler Collection, Sotheby's, London, Feb. 24, 2005, lot 93.

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Black Humored English Snuffbox

Circa: 1820
Size: 3 3/8" D

This is really quite dark and macabre—the man is cheerfully toasting his dead, hanging wife. The verse, from Shakespeare's "The Tempest, reads, "Merrily, Merrily shall I live now, Under the blossom that hangs on the Bough."

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New York City Snuffbox

Circa: 1820
Size: 3 3/8"D

A rare New York City snuffbox with a painted transfer print illustrating, "LANDING PLACE AT THE FOOT OF BARCLAY ST, NY."

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New York City Snuffbox

Circa: 1820
Size: 3 1/4" x 2 1/8" x 7/8"

A rare New York City snuffbox with a painted transfer print illustrating, [LANDING PLACE AT THE FOOT OF CORTLAND ST, NY].

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The Second Barbary War (aka Algerian War) Snuffbox

Circa: 1815
Size: 3 1/2"D

Snuffbox with image from the Second Barbary War also known as the Algerian War.

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RARE INTERRACIAL SNUFFBOX

Circa: 1810
Size: 3 3/4" D" x 3/4"

A fine (high quality) black lacquered papier mache snuffbox with a very rare subject matter beautifully and meticulously painted - a white woman applying make-up to a black woman as she looks into a looking glass. Early depictions of black people are usually overtly exploitive or political, this is entirely affectionate.

The painting is after the work of French Court miniaturist Louis-Marie Sicardi, titled, "MIRATE CHE BEL VISINO" ("Behold What A Beautiful Little Face.")

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SCOTTISH EBONY & IVORY SNUFF JAR

Circa: 1700-1720
Size: 5 1/4" x 5 3/4

This exceptional covered jar (relating in style and form to snuff mulls of the period) is the largest example of the early Scottish staved balaster (mull) shape that I have encountered. The treen cover is mounted with an ivory finial in the form of a crown. Remarkably the piece is in near perfect condition maintaining all of its' original staves, original lead lining, and base-tray.

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United States of Colombia Carved Coconut

Circa: 1863-1886
Size: 5" long x 3 1/2" wide x 2 3/4" deep.

This is the finest carved coconut that I have come across. Exquisitely detailed with the owners name, "JOHN VINE" and the Colombian coat-of-arms. The arms framed by the words, ESTADOS UNIDOS DE COLOMBIA. Silver mounted with silver chain and hook.

According to Wikipedia, "The United States of Colombia was a federated republic conformed by the present countries of Colombia and Panama. It happened to the Granadina Confederation in 1863 and was replaced by the Republic of Colombia in 1886."

The Coat of Arms of The United States of Colombia contains a condor holding an olive branch; "LIBERTAD Y ORDEN" (Freedom and Order) is shown on a scroll; two cornucopias, a pomegranate; a Phrygian (Liberty) cap; and underneath the Isthmus oF Panama with ships.

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NATHANIEL SPILMAN HORN BEAKER

Dated: August 11, 1788
Size: 5 1/4" H

The front with a view of the Newcastle Exchange Spire, the reverse with barber scene, inscribed "Ino [John] Cubitt, HairDresser, No. 25 London Lane, Norwich, Aug.t 11 1788, N. Spilman, Fecit." The hairdressing scene is wonderful and quite unexpected.

Other horn beakers by Spilman are in the National Maritime Museum, London, U.K., and the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery Royal Pavilion Gardens, Brighton, U.K.

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STEPHEN DECATUR / MACEDONIAN SNUFFBOX

Circa: 1820
Size: 3 1/2" D x 3/4" H

A hard to find subject in this series of War of 1812 historical boxes. The print depicts, "THE U.S. FRIGATE UNITED STATES STEPHEN DECATUR ESQR. COMMANDER CAPTURING HIS B.M.'S FRIGATE MACEDONIAN OCTOBER 25TH, 1812."

SOLD

Treen Snuffbox - Flintlock Pistol

Circa: 1760-1780
Size: 4 1/2" L x 1 5/8 W" x 1 7/8" H

This is a good as a treen double barrel pistol snuff box gets - not that there are a lot of them out there for comparison. Carved from the solid of applewood the quality of the carving is first rate with intricate detail. The surface is untouched with a truly remarkable patina.

Provenance: Owen Evan-Thomas #424

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Folk Art Treen Snuff Box

Circa: 1780
Sizes: 5" OAL

Beautifully carved fruitwood snuff box with sliding lid - the top with a man with top hat atop a plinth - well carved with great details - open work around the figure's body. Exceptional surface and patination.

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