Lot Essay
Many Scottish families were involved in the Australian gold rush in the mid-Nineteenth Century, and it is likely that Robert Hay sent this sample of Australian gold to demonstrate his success to his father.
Details
A FINE SCOTTISH 18 CARAT GOLD SNUFF BOX
maker's mark of D. C. Rait of Glasgow, hallmarked Edinburgh, 1853.
Of rectangular form, finely engraved all-over with flowerheads, scrolls and diaper work, the hinged cover inscribed, "From Australian Gold sent home by my son Robert Hay 1854", the interior inscribed, "Matthew Hay, Holland Bush". 7.5cm. wide. 120.5 gms., 18 carat.
See Illustration
maker's mark of D. C. Rait of Glasgow, hallmarked Edinburgh, 1853.
Of rectangular form, finely engraved all-over with flowerheads, scrolls and diaper work, the hinged cover inscribed, "From Australian Gold sent home by my son Robert Hay 1854", the interior inscribed, "Matthew Hay, Holland Bush". 7.5cm. wide. 120.5 gms., 18 carat.
See Illustration