Antique Silver Gilt Table Snuff Box - Yapp & Woodward 1847

Description and Details 

We are delighted to offer this fabulous large and majestic Victorian solid silver gilt snuff box with the mark of Yapp & Woodward, Birmingham 1847.Even upon first glance, this box exuberates opulence and importance with its fully gilt exterior (layer of gold on top of solid silver) and profusely chased decorations ornamenting the entirety of the box. Each section and every surface has been carefully designed in one way or another leaving no area unembellished - a truly spectacular box with no cut corners nor costs in craftsmanship. 

The box is of substantial weight and quality with the top lid featuring a high-relief acanthus and floral border. Further, a section of fine engine-turned motifs surround the central rectangular cartouche with the coronet and monogram of a Baron.A very small detail that could easily be missed yet is particularly noteworthy is the thumbpiece that presents a wonderful Rococo shell surrounded by volute scrolls - an unusual combination and a rare design compared to most counterpart table snuff boxes.The generous proportions of this box allow for each wall to be equally ornate with further acanthus and floral motifs with a stippled background. The decoration is particularly crisp which makes for a delightful, contrasted and three-dimensional effect. 

The base of the box under normal circumstances would not be visible/viewed by guests, yet, is wonderfully embellished with further engine turning to compliment the top lid - a testament to the intricacy and care that has gone into creating this snuff box. The interior of the snuff box is equally marvellous with an additional fully gilt surface with a beautiful gold tone. The layer of gold not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also prevents the contents inside from tarnishing the silver.Whilst this box would undoubtedly make a fine addition to a snuff box collection, in the modern day, such boxes could also be used to store small items, mints and pills in addition to traditional snuff (powder tobacco) that would have been stored within. 

A complete set of English hallmarks is present on the interior lid/base of the box.    

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

Size