Antique Georgian Silver Snuff Box with Floral Border - Thomas Wilkes Barker 1824

We are delighted to offer this Victorian solid silver snuff box with the maker's mark of Charles Rawlings & William Summers, London 1837. Whilst the box's shape and initial geometric design by itself may not be of distinction, it is undeniably the marvellous hand engraving that profusely embellishes all sides of the box that truly makes this a unique snuff box. The top lid features a monogrammed cartouche embedded within a wreath of acanthus and folate scrolls. Hidden within the design is a stag hunt scene, where a stag (on the left) is being chased by two hounds (one slightly below the stag to the right and the other on the far right). Although impressive at first glance, it is only upon spending more time looking closer from various angles that one can fully appreciate the artistic engraving of the scene that is akin to a painting. The scene has been carefully planned out and engraved in layers and stages such that it creates motion, emotion and captures the chaotic nature of a stag hunt. For instance, the stag appears to be jumping out of the bushes as its left leg jumps out in the foreground whilst its right leg appears to be caught up behind another acanthus scroll. Its facial expression is depicted with trepidation and its tongue is sticking out, yet, to retain stylistic and artistic aesthetics, its neck and head slightly tilts up following the curvature of the central cartouche without obstructing the design. The two hounds are also carefully positioned to portray their unrelenting energy and speed, the one close to the stag appearing from the right and the other prancing through the leaves from above and behind. The interior of the snuff box is fully gilt with a beautiful rich gold tone and a presentation engraving by an MP is beautifully engraved. The layer of gold not only acts as an accent to the silver exterior but prevents the contents inside from tarnishing the silver. Interestingly, there seems to be an original error or change in mind for the presentation as the lettering has been finely altered from "Presented by/to" which can be faintly seen depending on the angle. Last but not least, the base of the snuff box is matched with the top and side with further acanthus embellishments and a central cartouche that depicts an architectural scene with a statue, collums and trees in the background. By design, despite the base not being seen regularly, this snuff box has been decorated with no expenses, time or effort spared and every inch even on the base has been decorated by a skilled engraver without a single slip of the hand. Such impressive artistry and political interest...

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