Here we have a hitherto undocumented French burl snuffbox of George Washington. I know of two other examples of a different George Washington burl snuffbox, one at Winterthur and the other at Sulgrave Manor (Washington’s ancestral home), but this design is unrecorded. American subjects on French pressed burl snuffboxes are as rare as hens teeth.
An exceptional French coquilla nut snuffbox. Masterfully carved with six men and a dog on the top. The interior is signed by the maker and dated 1854. The box or subject likely had meaning to the maker, as the composition of the men and dog is casually posed, seriously light-hearted and unique. A tour-de-force of design and execution. One of the most intricate, complex and high-relief carved coquilla boxes I have seen.
I have handled a good number of lacquered papier-mache snuffboxes and have seen thousands more—this is the first example I have had of a fully painted miniature of a black man's face. The face occupies the full round—it is quite effective. The lacquer is of very good quality and it probably English or Continental of the Saundauer type.
A rare New York City snuffbox with a painted transfer print illustrating, "LANDING PLACE AT THE FOOT OF BARCLAY ST, NY."
A rare New York City snuffbox with a painted transfer print illustrating, [LANDING PLACE AT THE FOOT OF CORTLAND ST, NY].
This is the finest carved coconut that I have come across. Exquisitely detailed with the owners name, "JOHN VINE" and the Colombian coat-of-arms. The arms framed by the words, ESTADOS UNIDOS DE COLOMBIA. Silver mounted with silver chain and hook.
According to Wikipedia, "The United States of Colombia was a federated republic conformed by the present countries of Colombia and Panama. It happened to the Granadina Confederation in 1863 and was replaced by the Republic of Colombia in 1886."
The Coat of Arms of The United States of Colombia contains a condor holding an olive branch; "LIBERTAD Y ORDEN" (Freedom and Order) is shown on a scroll; two cornucopias, a pomegranate; a Phrygian (Liberty) cap; and underneath the Isthmus oF Panama with ships.
STEVEN S. POWERS • 109 3RD PL #2 • BROOKLYN, NY 11231 • 718-625-1715 • email: steve@stevenspowers.com • © all rights reserved