Heavy Snuffbox In Solid Silver And Enameled Vermeil. Italy, Louis XV Style. Enamel

Large and heavy Italian silver-gilt box.

The box is rectangular, with canted corners, and entirely made of gilt silver.

The base is highlighted by a wide molding that echoes the rim of the lid. The body is engraved with a frieze of foliate scrolls.

The lid is engraved with scrolls and plant motifs left in reserve against a background of translucent red and white enamels.

Through the translucent enamel, one can see the traces of the silversmith's hand-carved tool. This enhances the play of light and lends a handcrafted warmth to the box.

The interior is also made of gilt silver.

The box is hallmarked:

800 in an oval for the silver content
Italian silversmith's hallmark in a hexagon, used between 1944 and 1966, very difficult to read.

A rectangular hallmark to be identified

Two weevil hallmarks, a later French import mark

Oval hallmark: Sté A with a feather as a mint mark, hallmark of the French importer/reseller, to be identified

Magnificent box, with its beautiful, warm enamel. The box is generously sized and substantial in weight, a sign of quality craftsmanship.

9.1 x 6 cm
2.8 cm thick

171.6 grams

Very good condition. Minor scratches from use, wear to the vermeil on the exterior, very fresh on the interior.

Collection in person in Paris or shipping via insured Colissimo.
France: €15
Europe: €20
Rest of the world: €35