This gorgeious striped agate brass bound snuff box probably dates to the middle of the 19th c. The front display of the agate forms a chevron pattern and the reverse forms parallel lines. Both sides are translucent and radiate mauve and chocolate brown bands. It was probably produced in the famous semi-precious stone cutting Rhineland Palatine town of Idar-Oberstein. The box is oval in form and is 2 7/8" long x 2" wide x 3/4" thick. There is a small natural flaw in the cut stone on the reverse of the box that might present as a tiny crack but I think it occurred naturally in the stone (this can be seen in our final photo).
Stock number SA2A-282
English Sterling Silver/Gold Wash Snuff Box Birmingham 1827 Marks 66.69 grams
Beautiful Sterling Silver/Gold Wash Snuff Box made in Birmingham, England in 1827 according to the hallmarks. Being almost 200 years old, this piece is in fabulous condition. The lid opens and closes using one hand with just the right amount of pressure using your thumb. The box is curved and rounded to perfectly fit into the palm of your hand and rides well in your pants pocket due to its rounded shape. It is a fabulous piece of silver craftsmanship from the early 19th century.