Georgian Silver Mounted Mother of Pearl Snuff Box - William Pugh 1831

Description and Details 

This unique snuff box features a solid silver frame in which two sides are mounted with mother of pearl lid/base. This snuff box was made by silversmith William Pugh in Birmingham 1831.

Externally, the box features a combination of classic Georgian chasing and engine turning as well as some unconventional aesthetic use of mother of pearl. In addition to an ornate thumb-piece, underneath it an unmonogrammed cartouche is present.

Interior wise, due to the mother of pearl being on both sides, there is no metal contact except for the framing, which has been plated with gold (silver-gilt) for additional aesthetics and corrosion prevention (when using snuff).

Whilst compact in size, the excellent craftsmanship of Birmingham silversmiths is evident with the precise cut of the pearls for the lid which has a smooth and tight closure.

The box is fully hallmarked with the Birmingham anchor, silver lion, Georgian head, date letter "h" (1831) and the maker's mark.

A rare find for those looking to add a unique piece of Georgian silver to their collection or as an indulgent snuff box/pill case for those who wish to use it with medication etc.

Size