When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Rare Antique Late 18th Century French Snuff Box / Trinket Box (Tabatière / Boîte à Mouches) — Attributed to the French Revolution Era (c. 1785–1795)
A fascinating and highly collectible antique French snuff box, attributed to the late 18th century and the historical period surrounding the French Revolution.
This remarkable miniature box combines beautiful natural materials with an unusual surviving fragment of old French printed text.
DESIGN & MATERIALS
Exterior:
The main body and rim are finely turned from dense bovine bone, which has developed a beautiful warm, buttery cream-colored patina over time.
The reverse features a smooth, undecorated circular surface.
Interior:
The interior features genuine tortoiseshell with striking deep amber, reddish-brown, and dark translucent patterns.
The contrasting natural materials give the box its distinctive historical appearance.
Lid / Top:
The most fascinating feature is the surviving fragment of an old French printed document preserved within the circular lid.
The text displays historical French typography and spelling, including:
"avoit" — archaic spelling of "avait"
"débiteur" — debtor
"déchargée" — discharged
"présumer" — to presume
"avoit lieu de" — there was reason to
The typography and language are consistent with historical French printing traditions.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Attributed to the late 18th century, approximately 1785–1795, this box reflects the decorative traditions associated with France during the Revolutionary era.
The incorporation of printed historical texts into decorative objects was a practice found in period material culture.
The surviving document fragment is particularly intriguing because of its legal and financial terminology.
Although the precise original source of the text has not been identified, it provides an interesting connection to historical French printing and everyday life.
CONDITION REPORT
Bone Body:
Beautiful antique condition with natural age-related patina, discoloration, minor surface marks, and wear.
A fine hairline crack is visible along the rim of the lid.
Tortoiseshell Interior:
Attractive glossy appearance with characteristic amber and reddish-brown coloration. Surface wear consistent with age.
Printed Document:
The surviving paper fragment displays considerable age-related deterioration, including staining, discoloration, missing sections, and losses around the edges.
The dark backing is visible through several areas of paper loss.
The surviving text remains partially legible.
Please carefully examine all photographs for the exact condition, details, and measurements.
Approximate dimensions: Diameter: 2 inches (5 cm)
Height: 0.8 inches (2 cm)
