18th-century South Staffordshire Bilston Enamel Agate Double Snuff Box Ship

A rare South Staffordshire, Bilston enamel double snuff box, circa 1760, in the form of the hull of a naval vessel, with gunports, elaborate stern, and lion mask figurehead, with banded agate lids and chased gilt-metal mounts.

Measurements: 10.7cm (4.2in) long, 4.8cm (1.9in) wide, 4cm (1.6in) high.

Condition: A few tight hairlines and a minute chip visible on the starboard side of the hull. Short, tight hairlines visible on the inside adjacent to the mount. The mounts retain much of their gilding, the hinges function well, and the agate lids are in undamaged condition and close well. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals scattered retouching and, possibly, filled chips. The interior appears to have been restored, possibly covering further chips/hairlines.

Note: Possibly representing HMS Lion, which, on July 9th, 1745, fought two privateer vessels, Du Teillay and L'Elisabeth, off the coast of Cornwall that were engaged in delivering Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) to Scotland. Although the action damaged L'Elisabeth severely, forcing it to return to France, the Du Teillay, with the Prince aboard, successfully landed him in Scotland to start the final Jacobite rebellion.

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