Organic (ivory, horn, etc.)
London, London, England, United Kingdom, Europe
1802-1803
Shell (mollusk); Silver
Engraved, Molded
1959.0743
Object Number1959.0743 |
Box (Snuff box)
Organic (ivory, horn, etc.)
Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont
London, London, England, United Kingdom, Europe
1802-1803
1. Mark; Lid, underside; "R[?]" stamped in a rectangle
2. Mark; Lid, underside; Passant gardant lion stamped in a cartouche with clipped corners
3. Mark; Lid, underside; "IT" stamped in a rectangle
4. Mark; Exterior, rim of shell, bezel; Profile bust stamped in an ellipse
5. Mark; Exterior, rim of shell, bezel; Passant gardant lion stamped in a cartouche with clipped corners
6. Mark; Exterior, rim of shell, bezel; "G" stamped in a cartouche with clipped corners
7. Mark; Exterior, rim of shell, bezel; Illegible mark stamped in a rectangle
8. Inscription; Lid, upper surface; "WH to TB" engraved
9. Label; Lid, underside; Yellowed, rectangular paper label with "B22[1] / T[?]" and "790" in black ink
Shell (mollusk); Silver
Engraved, Molded
1.575 (H) , 3.386 (L) , 2.638 (W) , 3.1394 (Weight)
4 (H) , 8.6 (L) , 6.7 (W) , 89 (Weight)
Weight is overall.
This box is made from a tiger cowrie shell with a silver rim and hinged lid. Ornamenting the silver lid is an engraved laurel branch wreath surrounding the inscription “WH to TB”. The interior of the box has the letters “CD” scratched into the lid along with a yellowed, rectangular paper label on the shell. There are also seven separate maker’s marks that can be found on the lid and rim. The scientific name of the shell is Cypraea tigris and these popular shells were sourced from waters in the Indo-Pacific region.