SNUFF BOX IN THE FORM OF A DOUBLE-BARREL PISTOL CENTRAL EUROPE, 19TH CENTURY

A figural snuff box designed in the form of a miniature double-barrel pistol represents a rare and expressive example of European jewelled decorative arts of the late Historicist period. The object belongs to the category of so-called objets de fantaisie, combining inventive artistic design with the utilitarian function of a refined object of social life. The body is crafted in silver and richly decorated with engraved and relief ornament imitating structural and decorative elements of a firearm. The exterior surface is covered with fine hand engraving composed of vegetal and rocaille motifs characteristic of the decorative language of European Historicism of the second half of the 19th century. The handle is conceived as a sculptural ornamental composition with pronounced plastic relief. The decoration incorporates cabochons of semi-precious stones, including banded agate with its characteristic striped pattern, as well as stones of pink and green hues. The stones are integrated into the ornamental structure of the handle and body, enhancing the jewel-like character of the object. Additional decorative richness is provided by inserts of coloured enamel. The mechanical part of the object is stylised after the construction of a firearm: the hammer and trigger guard form an original mechanism that activates the opening system of the snuff box. The hinged lid opens to reveal the internal chamber intended for storing tobacco. The interior surface is fully gilded and decorated with engraved ornament, in accordance with traditional snuff box manufacture and serving to protect the contents. Marks: French import assay mark in the form of a swan in an oval shield (Cygne). This mark was used in France from 1893 for silver objects of foreign manufacture that passed official assay control upon import into the country. Dimensions: Length: 11.5 cm; Width: 3 cm; Thickness: 3 cm. Weight: 68 g. Condition: Good. Provenance: Private European collection.

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