French Silver Guilloché Snuffbox, circa 1820

An elegant French silver tabatière or snuff box, overall decorated with guilloché or engine-turned panels, in a regular wavy pattern creating the illusion of movement. In fine condition with original gilded or vermeil interior. The French invented the tour a guilloché which was a machine used to decorate precious metal surfaces with wavy patterns. This engine turning or guilloché work is one of the characteristics of French 19th century silver and was later popularized in St. Petersburg Russia by Carl Fabergé.

French, 1809-1819, hallmarked on interior of both sides.

2 3/4 x 2 1/8 x 5/8 in. (l x w x h) (7 x 5.4 x 1.6 cm)

2.39 troy ounces; 74.3 grams.