Lot 688
A WILLIAM IV SILVER SNUFF BOX
of trefoil outline with reeded borders, the cover inset with an overlaid and moulded tortoiseshell plaque*, the base initialled "MP" script, gilt interior, by Nathaniel Mills, Birmingham 1834 (contained in a fitted leather case); 3.2" (8 cms) long; 2.25 oz
*The plaque depicts musicians, dancing figures and harlequin (from the Commedia dell'Arte) performing on a formal stage, with columns and arches. It was originally the cover of a tortoiseshell snuff box made in Italy, probably Venice 1725-30. Perhaps the original box was damaged but the cover was preserved for posterity by Nathaniel Mills in 1834.
