A Solid Silver "Castle Top" Snuff Box of Newstead Abbey - Taylor & Perry 1835

Description and Details 

This magnificent "Castle Top" snuff box was made by Taylor & Perry of Birmingham in 1835.

The highlighting point of this table snuff box is the lid which features Newstead Abbey with great finesse and intricate details (please zoom in to the photographs in order to fully appreciate the intricacies of the arches, windows, etc). The abbey is portrayed in the background among trees, grassland and a tranquil lake in the foreground with swans swimming about freely.

The scene is encompassed by a chased acanthus border which complements the additional engine-turned motifs on the other sides of the box. 

Scenes of famous, popular and historic monuments were found on snuff boxes and card cases which were made by leading silversmiths with the craftsmanship which enabled them to replicate the fine details of the real-life monuments. Such articles are referred to as "Castle Tops" and were gifted/purchased as a memoir of visiting such places or for those with a significant association to the depicted scenes.

A tranquil and paradisiacal Newstead Abbey photographed on a beautiful day.

Interior-wise the box is fully gilt with a rich gold plate which has a glossy mirror-like finish. 

In hand, the box's quality and craftsmanship become further apparent with a robust yet precise finish on the hinge and closure of the box which functions perfectly with a smooth closure of the box.

Hallmarks are fully present with markings on both the lid and base of the snuff box. Hallmarks are slightly worn but fully visible.

A highly collectable and fine piece of silverware ideal for collectors seeking the finest pieces of English silverware and with monumental values.

An Idea for a day's outing: One sensational way to appreciate this box even further may be to bring this box should one ever have the opportunity to visit the castle and try to locate the exact spot from which this scene was captured and compare the wonderful scenes you will be able to experience.

Size