Antique Georgian Solid Silver Gilt Snuff Box Battle Scene Top - John Bettridge 1829

Name: Antique Georgian Solid Silver Gilt Snuff Box Battle Scene Top - John Bettridge 1829
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA985455
Availability: SoldOut

18th century

Sold by Artisan Antiques

Description

We are delighted to offer this impressive Georgian solid silver gilt snuff box made in Birmingham in 1829 - Maker's mark of John Bettridge.

Upon first glance, even to the layman, this snuff box exuberates opulence and magnificence with its fully gilt exterior (layer of gold on top of solid silver) and indeed, this box presents delightful and impressive decorations.

The top lid features a very ornate and finely decorated figurative battle scene of cavalry fighting: "The Duke of Wellington ordering the last Grand Charge which completed the defeat of the French Army, Battle of Waterloo 1815". The scene was originally an engraving by Samuel Mitan after Captain George Jones, one of a series published by Thomas Kelly, 26th Apr 1817 (the scene may be viewed at the online collection of the National Army Museum, London). The background and landscape are finely engraved and contrasted with the high-relief of the horses.

The borders on the top and bottom are intricately chased with floral motifs. A point of decadence and extravagant decoration might be best expressed by the thumbpiece which, not only functions as an aid to open the box, but as an additional part to display the chaser's skill.

The interior of the snuff box is also fully gilt with a beautiful rich gold tone. The layer of gold not only acts as an accent to the silver exterior but prevents the contents inside from tarnishing the silver.

The base of the box features a classical Georgian engine-turned motif with a central cartouche that has been monogrammed.

In the modern day, such boxes could be used to store small items, mints and pills in addition to the traditional snuff (tobacco) that would have been stored within.

A full set of English hallmarks are present on the interior lid/base of the box.

*Please note: all images with other items are for display purposes only, this listing is for the single snuff box only.

SIZE

Size (cm) L:9cm W:6.1cm H:2.4cm

Size (inches) L:3.54 H:2.40 H:0.94

Weight: 196 grams (6.30 Troy oz) total.

CONDITION

Great Condition - The box is in great antique condition, with no major damage or issues. There is one section beneath the thumbpiece where the lid has worn slightly and has a gap when lid is closed. The lid still shuts tight with no issues. The cartouche on the base has possible signs of previous erasures. This does not affect usage and cannot be seen when placed on a table.

We aim to overemphasize and state these issues to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

FREE SHIPPING

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.

*All parcels are insured - please rest assured all shipping liabilities other than import/customs duty are covered by Artisan Antiques.

*Colours of the product may slightly differ from the photos due to different computer screens & lighting conditions*

- Price negotiations may be possible under certain criteria, please contact us via telephone (07578761640) or email (info@artisanantiques.net) -

Declaration

Artisan Antiques has dated this piece to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA985455

Dealers Notes

We strive to provide inimitable first-class service with your needs and satisfaction as our number one priority.

Description

We are delighted to offer this impressive Georgian solid silver gilt snuff box made in Birmingham in 1829 - Maker's mark of John Bettridge.

Upon first glance, even to the layman, this snuff box exuberates opulence and magnificence with its fully gilt exterior (layer of gold on top of solid silver) and indeed, this box presents delightful and impressive decorations.

fig 1. Antique Georgian Solid Silver Gilt Snuff Box Battle Scene Top - John Bettridge 1829

The top lid features a very ornate and finely decorated figurative battle scene of cavalry fighting: "The Duke of Wellington ordering the last Grand Charge which completed the defeat of the French Army, Battle of Waterloo 1815". The scene was originally an engraving by Samuel Mitan after Captain George Jones, one of a series published by Thomas Kelly, 26th Apr 1817 (the scene may be viewed at the online collection of the National Army Museum, London). The background and landscape are finely engraved and contrasted with the high-relief of the horses.

The borders on the top and bottom are intricately chased with floral motifs.

“

A point of decadence and extravagant decoration might be best expressed by the thumbpiece which, not only functions as an aid to open the box, but as an additional part to display the chaser's skill.

Artisan Antiques

fig 2. Antique Georgian Solid Silver Gilt Snuff Box Battle Scene Top - John Bettridge 1829

The interior of the snuff box is also fully gilt with a beautiful rich gold tone. The layer of gold not only acts as an accent to the silver exterior but prevents the contents inside from tarnishing the silver.

fig 3. Antique Georgian Solid Silver Gilt Snuff Box Battle Scene Top - John Bettridge 1829

The base of the box features a classical Georgian engine-turned motif with a central cartouche that has been monogrammed.

In the modern day, such boxes could be used to store small items, mints and pills in addition to the traditional snuff (tobacco) that would have been stored within.

fig 4. Antique Georgian Solid Silver Gilt Snuff Box Battle Scene Top - John Bettridge 1829

A full set of English hallmarks are present on the interior lid/base of the box.

Please note: all images with other items are for display purposes only, this listing is for the single snuff box only.

SIZE

fig 5. Antique Georgian Solid Silver Gilt Snuff Box Battle Scene Top - John Bettridge 1829

Size (cm) L:9cm W:6.1cm H:2.4cm

Size (inches) L:3.54 H:2.40 H:0.94

Weight: 196 grams (6.30 Troy oz) total.

CONDITION

Great Condition - The box is in great antique condition, with no major damage or issues. There is one section beneath the thumbpiece where the lid has worn slightly and has a gap when lid is closed. The lid still shuts tight with no issues. The cartouche on the base has possible signs of previous erasures. This does not affect usage and cannot be seen when placed on a table.

fig 6. Antique Georgian Solid Silver Gilt Snuff Box Battle Scene Top - John Bettridge 1829

We aim to overemphasize and state these issues to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

fig 7. Antique Georgian Solid Silver Gilt Snuff Box Battle Scene Top - John Bettridge 1829

FREE SHIPPING

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.