Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu

A silver and tortoiseshell snuff box, the rectangular silver and parcel gilt box of angular cross section, the lid inset with tortoiseshell panel and central initials ‘CBS’ in lozenge outline, within silver gilt floral and scroll engraved border, the sides engraved with flowerheads, the base with repeating chevron decoration, with cabochon sapphire thumbpiece, and hinged silver gilt fastener, opening to reveal a gilt interior, with stamped marks to the inner border, and an engraved treble clef motif, length 7.8cm x width 5cm. £260-300

By repute, the snuff box was formerly the property of the American actress and singer Mae West, (1893-1980) given to her on her birthday (17th August). Her collection of boxes was sold after her death by auction in Milan, circa 1981, where this box was purchased by the present vendor’s family.

Please note tortoiseshell is covered by CITIES legislation and may be subject to import/export and trade restrictions.