A Charles II silver snuff or spice box, probably London circa 1680 by DS crowned

A Charles II silver snuff or spice box, probably London circa 1680 by DS crowned

Of squeeze action oval form with a hinged lid, the top with engraved decoration of symmetrical foliate scrolls with birds, the underside with a rosette and foliate scrolls, the centre with a band of herringbone. The side with flat chased initials AH in Roman script. Maker’s mark only to the interior.

Length – 5.2 cm / 2.05 inches

Weight – 26 grams / 0.84 ozt

This maker’s mark is noted across a wide section of small; including nutmeg graters, thimble/needle cases, sweetmeat forks as well as other snuff or spice boxes of this form.

An example was sold Woolley and Wallis, 25 Oct 2016, lot 486 (£1300 hammer)

Another Woolley and Wallis, 25 Oct 2016, lot 491 (£700 hammer)