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ID #SA1237235
FOR SALE
£14,000
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An Exceptional 19th-century French Vari-color 18ct Solid Gold Snuff Box by Louis-françois Tronquoy, Paris, Circa 1827–1838
For sale by Sandbanks Antiques
for sale €16,380     $17,780
£14,000
Sandbanks Antiques

Sandbanks Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jan 2025
Browse dealers 205 items
  • About Us
    Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné
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Id #SA1237235
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An Exceptional 19th-century French Vari-color 18ct Solid Gold Snuff Box by Louis-françois Tronquoy, Paris, Circa 1827–1838

19th century
Description

An Exceptional 19th-Century French Vari-Color 18ct Solid Gold Snuff Box by Louis-François Tronquoy, Paris, Circa 1827–1838

​A magnificent and finely crafted gentleman's pocket snuff box of substantial weight (75 grams) and classic proportions, measuring 8 cm in length.

​The Exterior & Gold Coloration: Masterfully cast in solid 18-karat gold of rectangular form, the body features a sophisticated blend of three-color gold variations across the detailed decorative elements. The outer panels are enveloped in crisp, razor-sharp engine-turned (guilloché) diaper and herringbone patterning set against a rich sablé ground, neatly bound within reeded borders.

​The Lid & Chased Foliates: The hinged lid centers on an elaborate raised cartouche and four corner spandrels overflowing with exquisitely chased, protruding multi-color gold floral and foliate bouquets.

​Opening & Interior: The box opens via a shaped, flush-fitting thumbpiece on a tight, multi-stage hinge. The interior is finished to a mirror-like polish in warm rose gold, contrasting sharply with the textured exterior.

​Hallmarks & Maker: Both the interior lid and base rim bear official French gold guarantee and import/customs certification marks for Paris (1827–1838), alongside the maker's punch for the esteemed Parisian goldsmith Louis-François Tronquoy.

​A breathtaking, heavy-gauge survival of elite 19th-century luxury and masterful French orfèvrerie.

Provenance: The G S. May Esquire Collection, London - Purchased 2022

Declaration

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this 18ct Gold Snuff Box to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1237235
Description
An Exceptional 19th-Century French Vari-Color 18ct Solid Gold Snuff Box by Louis-François Tronquoy, Paris, Circa 1827–1838
“
​A magnificent and finely crafted gentleman's pocket snuff box of substantial weight (75 grams) and classic proportions, measuring 8 cm in length.
Sandbanks Antiques
fig 1. A rectangular nineteenth-century vari-colour 18ct gold snuff box featuring engine-turned guilloche patterns and a central raised floral relief panel.
fig 1. An Exceptional 19th-century French Vari-color 18ct Solid Gold Snuff Box by Louis-françois Tronquoy, Paris, Circa 1827–1838

​The Exterior & Gold Coloration: Masterfully cast in solid 18-karat gold of rectangular form, the body features a sophisticated blend of three-color gold variations across the detailed decorative elements. The outer panels are enveloped in crisp, razor-sharp engine-turned (guilloché) diaper and herringbone patterning set against a rich sablé ground, neatly bound within reeded borders.

fig 2. A rectangular nineteenth-century vari-colour 18ct gold snuff box featuring engine-turned guilloche patterns and a central raised floral relief panel.
fig 2. An Exceptional 19th-century French Vari-color 18ct Solid Gold Snuff Box by Louis-françois Tronquoy, Paris, Circa 1827–1838

​The Lid & Chased Foliates: The hinged lid centers on an elaborate raised cartouche and four corner spandrels overflowing with exquisitely chased, protruding multi-color gold floral and foliate bouquets.

fig 3. A rectangular nineteenth-century vari-colour 18ct gold snuff box featuring engine-turned guilloche patterns and a central raised floral relief panel.
fig 3. An Exceptional 19th-century French Vari-color 18ct Solid Gold Snuff Box by Louis-françois Tronquoy, Paris, Circa 1827–1838

​Opening & Interior: The box opens via a shaped, flush-fitting thumbpiece on a tight, multi-stage hinge. The interior is finished to a mirror-like polish in warm rose gold, contrasting sharply with the textured exterior.

fig 4. A rectangular nineteenth-century vari-colour 18ct gold snuff box featuring engine-turned guilloche patterns and a central raised floral relief panel.
fig 4. An Exceptional 19th-century French Vari-color 18ct Solid Gold Snuff Box by Louis-françois Tronquoy, Paris, Circa 1827–1838

​Hallmarks & Maker: Both the interior lid and base rim bear official French gold guarantee and import/customs certification marks for Paris (1827–1838), alongside the maker's punch for the esteemed Parisian goldsmith Louis-François Tronquoy.

​A breathtaking, heavy-gauge survival of elite 19th-century luxury and masterful French orfèvrerie.

Provenance: The G S. May Esquire Collection, London - Purchased 2022

Date of Manufacture

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this 18ct Gold Snuff Box to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1237235
Sandbanks Antiques
Sandbanks Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2025

Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sandbanks Antiques Profile Page

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A rectangular nineteenth-century vari-colour 18ct gold snuff box featuring engine-turned guilloche patterns and a central raised floral relief panel.
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Film
Film of An Exceptional 19th-century French Vari-color 18ct Solid Gold Snuff Box by Louis-françois Tronquoy, Paris, Circa 1827–1838
Archive I A rectangular nineteenth-century vari-colour 18ct gold snuff box featuring engine-turned guilloche patterns and a central raised floral relief panel.

An Exceptional 19th-century French Vari-color 18ct Solid Gold Snuff Box by Louis-françois Tronquoy, Paris, Circa 1827–1838

Film
Archive II A rectangular nineteenth-century vari-colour 18ct gold snuff box featuring engine-turned guilloche patterns and a central raised floral relief panel. View II
Archive III A rectangular nineteenth-century vari-colour 18ct gold snuff box featuring engine-turned guilloche patterns and a central raised floral relief panel. View III
Archive IV A rectangular nineteenth-century vari-colour 18ct gold snuff box featuring engine-turned guilloche patterns and a central raised floral relief panel. View IV
Archive V A rectangular nineteenth-century vari-colour 18ct gold snuff box featuring engine-turned guilloche patterns and a central raised floral relief panel. View V
Archive VI A rectangular nineteenth-century vari-colour 18ct gold snuff box featuring engine-turned guilloche patterns and a central raised floral relief panel. View VI
Archive VII A rectangular nineteenth-century vari-colour 18ct gold snuff box featuring engine-turned guilloche patterns and a central raised floral relief panel. View VII
Archive VIII A rectangular nineteenth-century vari-colour 18ct gold snuff box featuring engine-turned guilloche patterns and a central raised floral relief panel. View VIII
Archive IX A rectangular nineteenth-century vari-colour 18ct gold snuff box featuring engine-turned guilloche patterns and a central raised floral relief panel. View IX
Archive X A rectangular nineteenth-century vari-colour 18ct gold snuff box featuring engine-turned guilloche patterns and a central raised floral relief panel. View X
Archive XI A rectangular nineteenth-century vari-colour 18ct gold snuff box featuring engine-turned guilloche patterns and a central raised floral relief panel. View XI
Archive XII A rectangular nineteenth-century vari-colour 18ct gold snuff box featuring engine-turned guilloche patterns and a central raised floral relief panel. View XII
Archive XIII A rectangular nineteenth-century vari-colour 18ct gold snuff box featuring engine-turned guilloche patterns and a central raised floral relief panel. View XIII
Archive XIV A rectangular nineteenth-century vari-colour 18ct gold snuff box featuring engine-turned guilloche patterns and a central raised floral relief panel. View XIV
Enlarged Archival View
Sandbanks Antiques

Sandbanks Antiques
Telephone 07889 139677
Location
Sandbanks
Poole
Dorset
United Kingdom

By appointment only in Poole or London.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/sandbanks
Verified Since Jan 2025
Items For Sale 205
Items Sold 86
Sandbanks Antiques
Sandbanks Antiques
Verified Since Jan 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom, , By appointment only in Poole or London.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/sandbanks
Verified
Jan 2025
For Sale
205
Sold
86
A rectangular nineteenth-century vari-colour 18ct gold snuff box featuring engine-turned guilloche patterns and a central raised floral relief panel.
An Exceptional 19th-Century French Vari-Color 18ct Solid Gold Snuff Box by Louis-François Tronquoy, Paris, Circa 1827–1838
Ref: SA1237235
A rectangular nineteenth-century vari-colour 18ct gold snuff box featuring engine-turned guilloche patterns and a central raised floral relief panel.
Film of An Exceptional 19th-century French Vari-color 18ct Solid Gold Snuff Box by Louis-françois Tronquoy, Paris, Circa 1827–1838
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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSnuff Boxes
  • Period19th century
  • Style19th Century Continental
  • Material18ct Gold, Vari-Colour Gold
  • ColourRose Gold, Yellow Gold
  • MotifsEngine-turned guilloche, Vari-colour floral cartouche, Chased floral corners

This nineteenth-century French gentleman's pocket snuff box originates from Paris between 1827 and 1838, bearing official gold guarantee marks and the punch of goldsmith Louis-François Tronquoy. Cast in solid 18-karat vari-colour gold, the rectangular body displays rose and yellow gold tones, featuring razor-sharp engine-turned guilloché diaper and herringbone patterning framed within reeded borders. The hinged lid centers on an elaborate raised cartouche and four corner spandrels filled with chased multi-color gold floral and foliate bouquets, opening via a shaped flush-fitting thumbpiece on a multi-stage hinge. The piece weighs 75 grams and measures 8 cm in length. Suitable for display on an office desk or within a gentleman's library, the box functions as a refined decorative container for small personal items or as a collector's cabinet display piece. The interior exhibits a mirror-like polish in warm rose gold, contrasting against the textured exterior panels. Official French gold guarantee and import certification marks appear on both the interior lid and base rim. The object survives in solid metal without fabric upholstery or painted glaze.

FAQs

Snuff boxes gained prominence during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries as personal accessories for storing powdered tobacco, evolving into symbols of prestige across Europe. Vari-colour gold techniques involved alloying gold with silver, copper, or other metals to produce distinct hues such as green, rose, and white for intricate decorative panels.

High-carat gold, typically 18ct, serves as the primary material, decorated using engine-turning known as guilloche and applied relief chase work. Different metal alloys create multi-tone floral motifs, framed within geometric border patterns and precise internal hinge mechanisms.

Authenticity is established through official assay hallmarks, makers marks, and period import stamps applied by government assay offices. Structural features such as flush-fitting hinges, precise engine-turned patterns, and weight appropriate for solid gold also verify period manufacture.

These small objets dart can be displayed within glass-fronted vitrines, placed atop stackable decorative art books, or arranged on a tray alongside contemporary desk accessories.

Clean gold surfaces gently using a soft microfibre cloth without abrasive polishing chemicals that can wear down delicate chased details. Store the item in a dry environment inside a fabric-lined case to prevent surface scratches and friction damage.
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