A gold-mounted tortoiseshell, burgau shell and gold piqué snuff box, probably English, circa 1725,

oval, the lid decorated with an opulent flower vase of burgau shell and gold piqué coulé, on a tortoiseshell ground, matching interlaced outer border, the sides overlaid with stylised swags, the base similarly decorated around a smaller flower spray to centre, the interior of the lid set with an enamel portrait miniature of Catherine Hyde, Duchess of Queensberry (1701-1777), by Christian Friedrich Zincke, circa 1725, wearing a blue gown and lilac head scarf, in a reeded gold frame, apparently unmarked,

9.1 cm., 3 5/8 in. wide 

poids brut. 112 gr, 3,60 oz;

overall weight. 112 gr, 3,60 oz

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