Novelty George 111 Silver Cowrie Shell Snuff Box, Dated circa 1790
George 111 silver cowrie shell snuff box, dated circa 1790
Mounted in unmarked silver with a lovely pie crust edge,
following the contour on one side.
The opening has a thumb grip underneath so that you can open the box more easily
with your other thumb at the top.
This type of box was typically made in the 1790s.
Cowrie shell's came from the Indian Ocean, i.e. The Maldives, Ceylon etc. and were bought back by ship's Captains
and mounted up in silver for snuff as they were the perfect shape.
George 111 silver cowrie shell snuff box, dated circa 1790
Mounted in unmarked silver with a lovely pie crust edge,
following the contour on one side.
The opening has a thumb grip underneath so that you can open the box more easily
with your other thumb at the top.
This type of box was typically made in the 1790s.
Cowrie shell's came from the Indian Ocean, i.e. The Maldives, Ceylon etc. and were bought back by ship's Captains
and mounted up in silver for snuff as they were the perfect shape.