AN ENGLISH SILVER-GILT SNUFF-BOX SET WITH A HARDSTONE CAMEO

BY JOSEPH WILLMORE (FL. 1803 - AFTER 1838), MARKED, BIRMINGHAM 1838/1839, THE CAMEO BY ANGELO ANTONIO AMASTINI (1754- AFTER 1815), SIGNED

Details

AN ENGLISH SILVER-GILT SNUFF-BOX SET WITH A HARDSTONE CAMEO
by Joseph Willmore (fl. 1803 - after 1838), marked, Birmingham 1838/1839, the cameo by Angelo Antonio Amastini (1754- after 1815), signed
Rectangular box, the cover, sides and base engine-turned with a horizontal wavy pattern forming small lozenges, slightly raised reeded rims, the thumbpiece cast with foliage, the cover centred with an oval calcedony cameo depicting the profile of Emperor Napoleon I (1769-1821) on a pinkish ground
3½ in. (89 mm.) wide

Provenance

According to an old inscription engraved in at the inside of the cover, 'Presented to Samuel Cartwright Esquire by Louis Napoleon in the Year 1844'.
The Property of an American Collector, sold by order of the Beneficiaries, sold Christie's, London, 21 March 1978, lot 77 G.

Lot Essay

The recipient of the box may presumably be identified with the famous dentist (1789-1864) who is stated to have acquired a reputation second to that of none and the friendship of nearly all the most distinguished in science, literature and art of his day. He started in practice in Old Burlington Street in 1811 and continued until 1857. A letter by Louis Napoleon probably concerning the cameo is joined to the present lot.

More from Miniatures

View All