Sandbanks Antiques has dated this George III Gold Snuff Box to the 1800s.
Detailed Specifications
Maker: Alexander James Strachan (AJS)
Date: London, 1803
Material: Solid 18ct Yellow Gold
Weight: 69 grams approx
Dimensions: 7.2 cm x 4.5 cm approx
Hallmarks: Fully hallmarked to the interior of the lid and base. Includes the Crown and '18' for high-purity gold, the London Leopard’s Head, the date letter ‘H’ (1803), and the King George III duty mark.
Design & Artistry
This box is a testament to the precision of early 19th-century "engine-turning."
The Cover: Features a flawless "barleycorn" engine-turned pattern within a polished gold border, providing a rich tactile experience and a brilliant play of light.
The Form: Expertly modelled as a miniature book, the spine is articulated with raised bands to mimic leather binding, while the edges of the box are textured to simulate the appearance of gilded book pages.
The Hinge: A hallmark of Strachan’s work is the "invisible" or flush-fitting hinge. The closure remains incredibly tight and precise, a necessity for the preservation of fine snuff.
Condition Report
Presented in exceptional antique condition. The engine-turning remains crisp with minimal surface wear. The hinge is firm, and the box snaps shut securely. No thinning to the gold.
Significance
Alexander James Strachan is represented in the world's finest museums, including the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Gilbert Collection. This 1803 example represents his early, most meticulous period. It is a blue-chip investment piece for collectors of English gold work and Georgian-era luxury.
1803 is a very early date for Strachan boxes, making it rarer than his later Victorian-era works.
This is an extremely rare "Object of Vertu 18ct gold novelty Book Snuff Box”
The gold book snuff box comes with it's later made green handmade box
Sandbanks Antiques has dated this George III Gold Snuff Box to the 1800s.
Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sandbanks Antiques Profile Page
A Fine Rare George III 18ct Gold "Book" Snuff Box by Alexander James Strachan, London 1803
