Gold And Enamel Snuff Box. Hanau, 1810–1815, Germany, Early 19th Century

A rare rectangular snuffbox made of gold and enamel, crafted around 1810–1815 in the Hanau workshops, a remarkable example of early 19th-century European goldsmithing. The beveled body is adorned with dark blue guilloché enamel featuring a delicate diamond-shaped pattern, which enhances the gold’s luster.

The lid features a polychrome enamel miniature of great finesse depicting Diogenes seeking the truth by the light of his lamp in broad daylight. The composition is associated with the circle of Antoine Cardon and is distinguished by its meticulous execution. The miniature is framed by bands of gold, white, and black enamel featuring applied vine leaves and cornucopias.

The sides are decorated with cobalt guilloché enamel, while the corners feature stylized descending leaves. The interior is entirely gilded. A historical inscription appears on the reverse of the lid: “Presented by His Imperial Highness Tsarevich Konstantin Pavlovich in 1826 to Katon Chabelski. Passed down to his grandson Pavel Chabelski on November 6, 1863.”

Hallmarks: Worn; a fragment of an old Hanau hallmark remains (the characteristic “toothed wheel”), corresponding to production from 1810–1815.
Dimensions: Length 9.5 cm; width 6.7 cm; height 1.8 cm.
Weight: 159 g.
Condition: Very good. Gilding preserved; enamel free of cracks; slight signs of wear.
Provenance: European private collection. Formerly from the Chabelski family collection.

ID-ANTQ-6651