18th Century English Enamel Snuff Box Night After Philippe Mercier

An eighteenth-century, circa 1765, English enamel snuff box of three-lobed form decorated with a well-painted portrait of a woman holding a mask from the engraving by Richard Houston (ca.1721–1775) of “Night” by Philippe Mercier (1689-1760). The sides and base are decorated with sprays of flowers on a raised gilt diamond pattern. Gilt mounts. Probably London or Birmingham. Measurements: Depth (lid top to bottom): 6.3cm (2.5in) Width: 6.5cm (2.6in) Height: 3cm (1.2in) Condition: General: Good for age and type Exterior: Lid: A few hairlines. Tiny loss by the lady’s bodice. Sides: Very light hairlines. Two small chips to edges of back. Some discolouration of gilding. Base: Light scuff near front. Very light short hairlines near edge. Interior: Underside of lid: Star crack and hairlines. Small chip at edge. Interior of box: Hairlines, mainly to sides. Mounts: Very good, most gilding still present. References: For a similarly decorated rectangular portrait snuff box attributed to London manufacture, see Susan Benjamin, “English Enamel Boxes From the Eighteenth to the Twentieth Centuries”, Pg.50, Fig.1, Macdonald & Co Ltd, 1987. For an enamel scent bottle with the same portrait, see Hughes, Therle and Bernard, “English Painted Enamels”, Pg.117, Pl.65, Hamlyn, 1967. Shipping: Free for UK, Eu USA, Australia, New Zealand. For any other destinations, please request a quote (may still be free).