Antique Tortoise Shell Table Snuff Box, Silver and Kiln-fired Enamel, 19th Century King and Queen the old opaline 'eggs' finest

the old opaline 'eggs' finest French Sterling silver

perhaps Bilston

The leather baffled sides allow the case to expand to hold cigars on each side

and it's a heavy brass with the bronze finish

In this era several women were working in pastels

Antique Tortoise Shell Table Snuff Box, Silver and Kiln-fired Enamel, 19th Century King and Queen the old opaline 'eggs' finestI have found no silver marks on this elegant old thing, and I've really never found another like it. It looks French or perhaps even Russian, but marks would be on the sterling silver. Maker remains a mystery, but it is a nice sized (nearly 3. 5") oval table snuff and it is in beautiful condition. The enamel work is airy and light, almost has a look of plique du jour enamel. A little shell on the closure and a French feel. Measurements in full are