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For internal use only
On Display: House - Patuxent Room
Box (Tobacco box)
Description
This asymmetrical tiger cowrie shell was made into an elegant box. The scientific name of the shell is Cypraea tigris and the species lives in the waters of the Indo-Pacific region. The box’s hinged silver lid features a mirrored script monogram, or cypher of “NH” for Nathaniel Harrison II (1703-1791), who lived at his family’s James River plantation in Virginia. Years later someone inserted an inaccurate small paper note stating “Nathaniel Harrison/of Brandon brother/of the signer of/the Ded of In/born 1716,” mistaking him for another Nathaniel at Berkeley plantation in Virginia.
Category
Metals
Place of Origin
England; United Kingdom; Europe
Materials
- Shell (mollusk)
- Silver
Museum Object Number
1983.0157
Credit Line/Donor
Gift of Mrs. Burton Harrison Randolph Randall
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Complete Details
Object Number
1983.0157
Object Name
Box (Tobacco box)
Category
Metals
Place of Origin
England; United Kingdom; Europe
Origin Notes
As per Ann Wagner: Origin either England or the United States.
Mark/Signature/Inscription/Label
Type: Inscription
Location: Lid, center
Inscription: "NH" in reflexive script initials, engraved
Mark/Signature: No
Materials
- Shell (mollusk)
- Silver
Dimensions (inches)
1.378 (H) x 1.929 (W) x 4.055 (L)
Dimensions (centimeters)
3.5 (H) x 4.9 (W) x 10.3 (L)
Dimensions (oz)
3.527