Mark Seabrook Antiques has dated this piece to the 17th Century.
...it is in the form of a sperm whale....it is dated 1659 and initialled R.H....my conclusion is that it belonged to a sailor working on board a cargo ship, who saw a sperm whale and carved it out of a piece of teak from an offcut that he found on board ship....all this when Oliver Cromwell was coming to the end of the Commonwealth period..! The snuff box is in excellent condition with a fine natural colour and handles as a 17thc piece of treen would, with well worn detail and a date you can just make out, which is what you would expect from a piece this age with shrinkage and wear....it is a real privilege to have found and owned this very special piece that has survived 367 years....just think of its voyage to me..!
English. C1659.
Mark Seabrook Antiques has dated this piece to the 17th Century.
Specialising in 17/18thc oak & country furniture, antique treen, early metalware & english pottery.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Mark Seabrook Antiques Profile Page
Antique Early Treen 17thc Sailors Snuff Box in the Form of a Sperm Whale Dated 1659.
