for sale €322 $349

£275

Julie Cartwright Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2009

Browse dealers 145 items

Id #SA1241838

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Exquisite Georgian Silver Snuff Box by Joseph Willmore, Birmingham 1812

Name: Exquisite Georgian Silver Snuff Box by Joseph Willmore, Birmingham 1812
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1241838
Price: 275 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by Julie Cartwright Antiques

Description

This charming George III curved silver snuff box was made in Birmingham 1812 by the toy makers* Joseph Willmore. Of rounded rectangular form, the flush cover with bright-engraved decorations surrounding a initialled reserve, the back and sides with prick-dot decorations. The beautifully executed flush hinged cover opening to reveal the original pale gilt interior.

* From the late 18th to early 19th Century, Birmingham was the centre for the making of “toys”: small decorative objects from silver. They were produced in small family businesses and factories throughout Birmingham. They made a range of items including patch boxes, nutmeg graters, buckles, caddy spoons, vinaigrettes, snuff boxes and babies rattles.

Hallmarks:

JW for Joseph Willmore.

Duty mark.

Lion Passant.

Birmingham Assay mark.

Date letter "o" for 1812.

Condition:

Good.

Front and back in very good condition.

Sides with a few minor dings commensurate with age.

Interior gilding in good condition.

Dimensions:

Length: 6.5cm / 2.3 inches.

Depth: 3cm / 1.1 inches.

Height: 1cm / 0.4 inches.

Postage:

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO ADD POSTAGE AT CHECKOUT.

Postage UK: £8 Special Delivery Next day.

Postage overseas: £17 International Signed For.

You can pay by PayPal, bank transfer, cheque, debit or credit card.

To pay by PAYPAL please add P&P and click on button below.

To pay by credit or debit card over the phone or by cheque, please contact me on 01449 760 585.

Declaration

Julie Cartwright Antiques has dated this Georgian Silver Snuff Box to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1241838

Dealers Internal Reference

OCT69

Description

This charming George III curved silver snuff box was made in Birmingham 1812 by the toy makers* Joseph Willmore.

“

Of rounded rectangular form, the flush cover with bright-engraved decorations surrounding a initialled reserve, the back and sides with prick-dot decorations.

Julie Cartwright Antiques

The beautifully executed flush hinged cover opening to reveal the original pale gilt interior.

From the late 18th to early 19th Century, Birmingham was the centre for the making of “toys”: small decorative objects from silver. They were produced in small family businesses and factories throughout Birmingham. They made a range of items including patch boxes, nutmeg graters, buckles, caddy spoons, vinaigrettes, snuff boxes and babies rattles.

Hallmarks:

JW for Joseph Willmore.

Duty mark.

Lion Passant.

Birmingham Assay mark.

Date letter "o" for 1812.

Condition:

Good.

Front and back in very good condition.

Sides with a few minor dings commensurate with age.

Interior gilding in good condition.

Dimensions:

Length: 6.5cm / 2.3 inches.

Depth: 3cm / 1.1 inches.

Height: 1cm / 0.4 inches.

Postage:

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO ADD POSTAGE AT CHECKOUT.

Postage UK: £8 Special Delivery Next day.

Postage overseas: £17 International Signed For.

You can pay by PayPal, bank transfer, cheque, debit or credit card.

To pay by PAYPAL please add P&P and click on button below.

To pay by credit or debit card over the phone or by cheque, please contact me on 01449 760 585.

Date of Manufacture

Julie Cartwright Antiques has dated this Georgian Silver Snuff Box to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1241838

Dealers Internal Ref

OCT69

About the Dealer

Julie Cartwright Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2009

Dealer Profile

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

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A rectangular Georgian sterling silver snuff box with a curved shape, engine-turned detail, and a central engraved monogram.

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Archive I

Exquisite Georgian Silver Snuff Box by Joseph Willmore, Birmingham 1812

Snuff boxes became widespread during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries in Britain as taking powdered tobacco became a popular social custom. Craftsmen created portable boxes from precious metals, often featuring intricate engraving or engine turning to denote the owners status.

High-grade sterling silver was the standard material, hallmarked by assay offices in cities such as Birmingham, London, and Sheffield. Interior surfaces were frequently gilded with a thin layer of gold to prevent the silver from corroding due to contact with tobacco.

Authentic pieces feature a set of British hallmarks including the makers mark, sovereigns head duty mark, lion passant for sterling silver, city mark, and date letter. The weight, engine-turned craftsmanship, and flush-fitting hinges also distinguish genuine Georgian production.

Small antique silver objects are suitable for display on desk tops, coffee tables, or inside glass vitrines alongside art glass and books. They add historical context and reflective texture when arranged on tray displays or fitted shelving.

Silver pieces should be lightly dusted and wiped with a specialised silver polishing cloth to remove surface tarnish. Exposure to excessive moisture should be avoided, and abrasive cleaners must never be used to preserve the original surface detail and clear hallmarks.

Julie Cartwright Antiques

Exquisite Georgian Silver Snuff Box by Joseph Willmore, Birmingham 1812

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