Antique Pewter Snuffbox Snuff Box Raised Birds Within Grape Vine Design on Lid
Description: Offered here is an antique (Late 18th or early 19 century) small pewter snuff box or snuffbox. The box is rectangular in shape with a slightly oval profile and bombe sides. The box also has a curved bottom as well as a slightly curved hinged lid. The lid of the box is decorated with a raised design depicting a central scene two birds perched on a branch within an oval formed by a grape vine. This design is over what looks like a geometric background design that is considerably worn off. The bottom of the box is plain and undecorated so are the sides. The lid has a thumb piece on the front which has a worn off design that is unrecognizable. The box is in fair condition with soiling throughout and a nice patina. The design is worn off especially on the thumb piece but also the birds as well as the geometric design show considerable wear. The box has dings throughout and the hinge for the lid has been repaired but works fine and the lid closes well and tightly. Other than that, the box is all original (except for the repair in the hinge) and is in fair condition for being about 200 years old. A nice snuff box in fair to good condition after being around for about 200 years, which would make a nice addition to any collection. Pleases carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Uncertain but was made sometime in late 1700s (late 18th century) to early 1800s (early 19th century).
Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: The box measures ~3 1/8" by ~1 3/4" by ~7/8" and weighs about 3 ounces.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Unmarked as to the name of the maker. Has a paper label saying "OB-2 SNUFF BOX AMER."
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: An interesting antique snuffbox in fair to good original condition, which would make a nice addition to your snuffbox collection or tobacco/smoking related collection.
Condition: The box is in generally fair to good condition with dings, scratches, and staining. The box has soiling throughout and a dark patina. The design is worn off especially on the thumb piece but also the birds as well as the background geometric design, which show considerable wear. The box has dings throughout and the hinge for the lid, shows a crack and has been repaired but still works and the lid closes well and tightly. Other than that, the box is all original (except for the repair in the hinge) and is in fair condition for being about 200 years old. The box also has a paper label affixed to the back of the lid with writing in ink, which says "OB-2 SNUFF BOX AMER.". The box could probably use a good cleaning to bring its full beauty out, but we leave that to the discretion of the new owner. Just a nice antique pewter snuffbox worthy of a spot in any collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.
