Lot 562
A GEORGE I SILVER SNUFF BOX
circular with moulded sides and reeded borders, the pull-off cover set with a medallion by Regnier Arondeaux dated "1685", gilt interior, maker's mark only struck once in the "JW" gothic script below a crown, c.1720; 2.6" (6.5 cms) diameter; 4.8 cms
"The medallion commemorates the supremacy of King James II as rightful heir to the English throne and the execution of his nephew, James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth & Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll. Monmouth, the eldest of Charles II illegitimate sons, crowned himself King upon his father's death, believing that as a Protestant his claim would be upheld because of the unpopularity of his uncle, James, a Catholic. However Monmouth and his accomplice, Argyll, were beheaded for treason in 1685.
