1850 French Parcel Gilt and Niello Sterling Silver Snuff Box

A circa 1850 drop dead gorgeous, heavy, and secure sterling silver and black niello snuff box with a hinged lid and parcel gilt interior. Made in France, 19th century. Condition is very good with some patina and light surface scratches, but no major dents or dings. Slight losses of the gilt interior and very minor losses of the niello. The lid features a splendid scene of men lighting pipes from a brazier set atop a barrel between two gilded grape vines. A man in the back supplies his fiddle to this scene of rural leisure. The remainder of the exterior is decorated with a 3-leaf clover pattern. Interior is gilded. Opens and closes nicely and has a great hand feel owing to the concave surfaces of each side. Exceptional in every way.

Marked on the lid with the maker mark (not identified), the Minerva head, and a Swedish import mark.

112 grams
3.5" in length

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