This is an impressive sideboard piece, and is nicely functional, as well. 6-7 in diameter, and measures 8 from lip to handle. This piece has very good weight at 49 oz. This is a splendid example of repouse, as well as an impressive piece of hollowware. Here we have a wonderful Tobacco box, C1680-1700, made of tortoise shell and sterling silver.
Piece is probably Dutch or English.
Condition is remarkable, considering the age of the piece. There appear to be 2 very small repairs to the medallion or plaque on the lid, both very well done, and there also appears to be some very small loss of tortis shell along the rim of the lid. Congruent with one of the repairs, there is a steel pin, which means that the repair was probably done in the colonies, c1800. Also, as a result of shrinkage with age, the bottom piece of tortoise shell is loose. The hinge is sound, and the fit of the lid is nice and tight for an item 300 or so years old, I have to think that s pretty good.