A Nicholas I early 19th century Russian 84 Zolotnik parcel-gilt silver and niello snuff box, Moscow circa 1835 by Osip Balanov

A Nicholas I early 19^th century Russian 84 Zolotnik parcel-gilt silver and niello snuff box, Moscow circa 1835 by Osip Balanov

Of rectangular form with curved sides, the lid with a niello scene of a nude shepherd with sheep in a rural setting, the sides with buildings. Marked with town mark, 84, obscured date for assayer Nikolai Lukich Dubrovin (active 1822-55, d. 1862) and maker’s mark OБ.

Length – 8.7 cm / 3 inches

Weight – 83 grams / 2.67 ozt