Sterzinger Hunting Snuffbox – Tobacco Box – Engraved Horn – Folk Art – Scrimshaw

Early 19th century, South Tyrol (Sterzing/Vipiteno). Beautiful Sterzinger hunting snuffbox in horn, richly decorated and entirely hand-engraved. The snuffbox is made of horn, carved and assembled from several pieces held together by small brass pegs, a characteristic technique of early 19th-century Sterzinger production. The decoration covers the entire surface. The lid features a symmetrical animal scene depicting deer in a stylized landscape, surrounded by floral motifs and engraved bands. The rim of the upper part is highlighted by a decorative band punctuated with engraved motifs and an inscription in dialectal German, typical of these Alpine snuffboxes. The inscription takes the form of a moral saying related to happiness and attachment to the object, a common theme in Tyrolean folk art. Inscription: "O schians Büchsle mit Lieb g'odlet, Und ietz auifs Diemal d'Öis is gnüss" Translation: "O beautiful little box, crafted with love, And now, for once, that's enough for us." (A typical poetic interpretation of Alpine folk sayings, blending affection for the object, moderate pleasure, and simple satisfaction.) On the back, a lively, narrative scene depicts a hunter playing with his dog while sipping some brandy, his rifle over his shoulder, his freshly taken deer tied by its legs. This scene humorously and spontaneously illustrates the Alpine hunting and rural world. Original wrought iron hinge. Specialist literature places the majority of these horn snuffboxes in the early 19th century, with the town of Sterzing in South Tyrol (now Vipiteno, province of Bolzano, Italy) having established itself as a recognized production center. Some authors also link these objects to scrimshaw, due to the engraving technique on organic material, although their Alpine origin is now widely accepted. Note: an old crack, which is nevertheless perfectly functional. Good overall condition, with a uniform, aged patina. Images of comparable examples: Catalog des Österreichischen Tabakmuseums – “Snuff Boxes” Dimensions: Length: 7 cm Shipping: ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY.