Antique Victorian Solid Silver Snuff Box with Scrolled Acanthus Engravings - Nathaniel Mills 1840

Description and Details 

We are delighted to offer this beautiful early Victorian snuff box with marks for Nathaniel Mills, Birmingham 1840.Nathaniel Mills was known for exceptionally fine boxes and arguably was one of the best box maker of the 19th century. Unsurprisingly, this snuff box is wonderfully designed and ornately embellished, typical of his style and wares. Impressive and as a testament to the quality of Mill's works, the overall shape has been carefully crafted in a cartouche-like shape with scalloped edges and elegant curves. One can imagine how difficult and time-consuming it would be to create this form in comparison to a straight-edge rectangular box. The very stylish, thin dimension of this box not only makes carrying this box ergonomic but also means that a high degree of skill is required to decorate it evenly. Despite its small surface area where ornamentations can be displayed, each panel and angle have all been wonderfully hand engraved with acanthus scrolls, flowers and foliate motifs.  The interior of the snuff box reveals a stunning gilt interior compartment which presents an opulent lustre in contrast to its silver exterior. In addition to its aesthetics, the gold has a practical purpose as it acts as a layer of protection from the contents tarnishing the silver.  Whether be it a wonderful collectable object of vertu or for holding snuff, small objects, tablets or even mints in the modern day, this box is a wonderful piece for the discerning individual. Remarkably stylish and classically elegant, this box not only fits in the palm excellently and is perfect as a pocket box but is bound to be a conversation starter for the keen-eyed and those that appreciate quality.A full set of English hallmarks is present on the interior lid/base. 

*Please note: all images with other items are for display purposes only, this listing is for the title item only. 

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