Lovely Collection Of Late 18th Century Tortoiseshell Motif Boxes, Including A Blonde Snuffbox

Lovely collection of late 18th century tortoiseshell motif boxes, including a blonde snuffbox. This pretty collection features:

1. A blonde tortoiseshell navette profile hinged, star motif pique incruste and pique pose bordered snuff box

2. A dark brown tortoiseshell navette profile hinged copper pique pose inlaid initialed tabletop tobacco box

3. Inlaid tortoiseshell paneled needle case with pique point decoration, wood and tortoise interior sleeve, finished with chased floral ends

Marks: All of the tortoise snuffboxes are unmarked. "Metal snuff box rims were exempt from assaying, or marking, in England due to a regulation of 1739. In France, since 1679, goldsmiths were allowed not to stamp any small, delicate pieces of gold or silver that might be ruined by marks."

Provenance: The estate of George Warburg, Hamden, CT

Dimensions: 4 1/2" L to 3 1/2" L

Please note: Black Rock Galleries offers these items due to their historical significance. We hold a deep respect of all endangered species and Fish and Wildlife regulations, strictly adhering to Cites rules. The tortoiseshell items in this auction are over 150 years old and, as such, cannot be transported to our out-of-state locations. Shipping is unavailable, and these items must be picked up in person at our Greenwich location only.

These exquisite antique boxes come from the estate of George Warburg, a lifelong collector and patron of the arts. Proceeds will go to the Apple Pickers Foundation, established by George in 2007 from the sale of several paintings, including Natalia Gonchorova’s “Picking Apples”. The foundation’s primary focus is on supporting local initiatives in education, healthcare, and the arts.

Additional hi-res photos are available at www.blackrockgalleries.com

Assorted estate conditions, ranging from minor expected scratching and nicking to Mars, wear, glue marks, discoloration, crazing, chipping, cracking, monogramming; wear is commensurate with age. Good overall estate condition.

This item is available for local pick up only, transport is not available.