Snuff box

Gold cartouche-shaped box, lid chased with Rococo cagework formed of asymmetric scrolls and shell-work incorporating putti with flower garlands on a plain ground, bombé sides chased with male and female caryatids, interior of lid set with enamel miniatures of Frederick and Augusta, Prince and Princess of Wales, below a chased crown.

The design of this cartouche-shaped box, with architectural motifs and herm figures around the sides, is more usually found in hardstone examples, mounted with gold cagework. The most notable boxes of this type were usually made in Berlin or Dresden, although French examples are known. However, this example is probably English in origin although the marked rococo style suggests a familiarity with continental examples. The thumbpiece bears a scratch mark on either side, possibly reading John Hane, who is thought to have been involved in its creation although his name has not been traced among the box makers of the period. He may be related to the Huguenot Hanet family of goldsmiths and watch-case makers recorded working around St Martin’s Court, close to Leicester Square. The box contains miniatures of Frederick and Augusta and may have been a presentation piece.