Antique French Portrait Miniature Snuff or Patch Box, 18th Century, Ivory and 18k Gold Mount
From my collections, now being disbursed, a fine 18th century snuff or patch box mounted with the portrait of a dignitary or Noble, set into recessed mount with 18k gold facing. The old convex cover glass fully in place, I've never taken this one apart, wishing not to bend or damage the old gold, so there is a very slight haze to the inside of the glass. It shows more in digital photos, really, and the painting is beautifully done and would show more perfectly if the interior glass could be wiped clean. I will leave it to the next owner. An unusually tall box for the era, it is superbly crafted in ivory and lined and rimmed in tortoise shell, so shipping/sale restrictions apply (note below). The gold has been acid tested, but I can't tell how thick the facing is. Typical of this era, it might be facing attached to a lesser metal. Not thin like plating or foil, but also does not comprise the entirety of the portrait mount. If removed, it's easier to see the depth of the gold facing. Ful