Snuffbox

Object Name:

Snuffbox

Object ID:

1939.001

Date:

1816

Description:

Snuffbox, gold. Probably gold alloy. Rectangular with slightly rounded corners. Three-knuckle hinge at back of lid. Lid slips over a lip on bottom portion to create friction closure. Engraved scene on cover; architectural elements in background to left; in foreground, man facing right; behind him, sheep lying on ground; to right of him, appears to be at least one female facing him; one has long shaft in left hand; man appears to be holding right arm of figure closest to him; around them, rococo border, then more rococo decorations around edge of cover. On left end, appears to be small engraved still life of some plants, a hat, and some other unknown elements; rococo border around it and around perimeter of end. On front side, central scene with architectural elements at right side; in center, young person facing left and holding possibly a recorder in his hands; to left of him, seated female facing right; she also is holding a long shaft with flattened end on it, which appears to be behind her; to her left, basket with some round objects above it; around whole scene, rococo border with another one at top and in both left and right ends. On right end, engraved decoration of a fanciful still life; it has rococo borders around it and around outside edge of box. On back side, central scene of building with peaked roof and chimney in back right side; in front of it and closer to front of scene, appears to be sheep standing up; to left, dog facing right, standing on fanciful, architectural element; rococo border around scene and on left, bottom, and right edges. Interior of box finished but not highly polished. On bottom, in center, engraved scene; architectural elements right side, in background; appears to be stone arch nearby with perhaps a sheep standing under arch; at left side, multi-level fountain; in center, in foreground, seated male figure with hat; body facing left, but he's looking forward; he appears to be holding a bird on his left hand; beyond that, an upset round basket; in front of that, three roundish melons or something similar; rococo border around scene and also around edges of box. A number of slightly rough areas and scratches on inside. Old adhesive label loose inside box; handwritten in dark ink, "Gift from / M. Jewell / 1939".

Material:

Metal
Gold

Dimensions:

H-1.6 L-3.1 D-2.3 inches Weight-10.7 oz

Provenance:

Note in accession file: "The Gold snuff box was an heirloom in the De Salaberry family and once belonged to the 'Hero of Chateauguay' [Charles-Michel de Salaberry 1778-1829] from whose son my husband bought it." Letter of 1892 or 93 from Mrs. Derbishire from whom Margaret Jewell bought it. The son was Colonel de Salaberry, the husband was Colonel or Major Derbishire.

Credit Line:

Gift of Margaret H. Jewell

People:

de Salaberry, Charles-Michel