An interesting and unusual English enameled snuff box, with its body enameled in white, with a faux-painted brass handle on its lid and a lock plate on its front (as with a small portable case like a document box), the remainder of its exterior decorated with a strange scheme in rust, red, pink, pale blue and purple. It almost looks like tiny rust-colored rain clouds are pouring down throughout, with the pale blue and purple appearing in a narrow jeweled border on the lid. Maybe it’s an attempt to represent a wallpapered box of the era? It’s been suggested to me that this might be an apprentice’s practice piece by a knowledgeable dealer in these enamels. Maybe so. It’s certainly well out of the usual run of what I’ve encountered. And maybe that’s why it appealed to me! Could be Staffordshire made, or Bilston/Battersea. I lean towards the former.

It’s petit, (1 1/2” across, 1” wide, and 7/8” high) and certainly a snuff as it has no evidence of ever having a mirror in the lid. That lid is glazed within in white, as is the base. All of the enamel, inside and out, is without flaw, there’s a tiny bubble mark on the bottom which looks to be from the firing.

This English enamel snuff box dates from the first decades of the 19th century, I believe, and is in remarkable condition for its age; it may be even earlier given the heavy well-modeled lip…

I am a professional antiques dealer and stand behind my goods with an absolute guarantee should they not prove what I’ve described; if you’re not pleased for any reason a return will be accepted for up to two weeks after receipt of your item. I will also pay return shipping, if the former is demonstrably true.

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