Late eighteenth century Staffordshire enamel snuff box of rare colour.

A late eighteenth century Staffordshire enamel snuff box of rare colour.

This beautiful enamel snuff box was made in South Staffordshire in around 1770. It is of a striking and extremely rare colour, highly decorated with fruit, flowers and a bird in the decoratine white scroll bordered cartouche on the lid, all over a mustard yellow gingham ground. Both ladies and gentlemen of this period often had multiple snuff boxes, which, as well as their conventional use were often used as fashion accessories of the day. This fine example has the slightly domed top and pinched sides suited to its function.

This rare late eighteenth century enamel snuff box is 5.2 cm long, 4.1 cm wide and stands 2.8 cm high. (Measurements approximate). It is in fine condition, showing light wear appropriate to its age and substance. It has light cracking to the enamel as is expected, but no damage and no restoration.