Antique French 1700s Portrait Miniature Snuff Box Gold, Tortoise

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Antique French 1700s Portrait Miniature Snuff Box Gold, Tortoise

About the Item

The gold on this tests as 22k, apart from the inserting frame (view photos) for the miniature, which tests at 12k (probably lesser for the strength of lower karat gold, necessary for that part). My assumption is that it's a French case, but the French standard by late 1700s was 18k, so I can't be absolutely certain - either before 1750, or might be from some other part of Europe. The painting within is truly amazing. Consider the size of it when you view the image scanned for detail. That painting is less than 1.5" tall. These tiny portraits were the work of 'miniaturists', who kept busy at the behest of the aristocracy and wealthy patrons, Royals, for whom the gift of a jewelry item, or snuff box (like this one) or card case, etc., with one's likeness framed within was a token of anything from love to political (public relations), and is often the only likeness of the individual during their lifetime. We don't know this woman's identity, but we do know she's a mid-late 1700s beauty with remarkably thick eyebrows. Her hairstyle is c.1740-70, as is her dress. The snuff box is consistent with those we've long studied in museums and private collections on display or loan, and I feel confident it is no later than 1780. Made of natural substance popular in its time, it is so remarkably preserved as to thrill any collector. Photos tell all. Very good to excellent condition for age and type. The painting is magnificent! Detail shows not a chip or crack, hairline or warp to the thin wafer on which it is painted in guache or dry-application water color. No damage to the snuff box, which is a good sized table snuff. Even the thin lip within is complete, no chips or cracks. The mechanism by which the painting locket is set and latched into its fitting is something we have not seen before and is quite ingenious. One inserts the pins first, and then the catch/lock clips in place as you push it into the recess, holding it firmly. Very upscale, I must say. Gold tested at 22k. While this can sometimes indicate a thick 22k gold over silver, (vermeil), the gold that overlays this snuff box is not thick enough to have been silver with gold on top, so we feel confident also that it is solid 22k gold. No way to weigh it separate from box, and you will note a very old re-pinning has been done on bottom to anchor the gold. Very little of it missing, it's in fabulous condition. NOTE This item will be handled and shipped from our Utah office, and is not available to California customers, sorry.

Metal:
22k Gold
Dimensions:
Height: 1 in (25.4 mm)Diameter: 3 in (76.2 mm)
Style:
Georgian
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
Early 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1700s
Condition:
Very good to excellent, detailed above in description. Painting is magnificently done, undamaged. Mounts of gold intact but for tiny bits, noted in images.
Seller Location:
San Marcos, CA
Reference Number:
Seller: 710pmsnf1stDibs: JU11102722765