Decorative

A FINE RARE GEORGE III 18CT GOLD ...

A rare and well-preserved example of 1800 from London, 1803, noted for its craftsmanship, material quality, and historical relevance.

An exquisite and rare George III 18-carat gold snuff box, masterfully crafted in the form of a pocket book. This piece bears the maker's mark of Alexander James Strachan, the preeminent gold box maker of the 19th century and a primary supplier to the Royal Goldsmiths, Rundell, Bridge & Rundell.\n\nDetailed Specifications\nMaker: Alexander James Strachan (AJS)\nDate: London, 1803\nMaterial: Solid 18ct Yellow Gold\nWeight: 69 grams approx\nDimensions: 7.2 cm x 4.5 cm approx\nHallmarks: Fully hallmarked to the interior of the lid and base. Includes the Crown and '18' for high-purity gold, the London Leopard's Head, the date letter 'H' (1803), and the King George III duty mark.\n\nDesign & Artistry\nThis box is a testament to the precision of early 19th-century 'engine-turning.'\n\nThe Cover: Features a flawless 'barleycorn' engine-turned pattern within a polished gold border, providing a rich tactile experience and a brilliant play of light.\n\nThe Form: Expertly modelled as a miniature book, the spine is articulated with raised bands to mimic leather binding, while the edges of the box are textured to simulate the appearance of gilded book pages.\n\nThe Hinge: A hallmark of Strachan's work is the 'invisible' or flush-fitting hinge. The closure remains incredibly tight and precise, a necessity for the preservation of fine snuff.\n\nCondition Report\nPresented in exceptional antique condition. The engine-turning remains crisp with minimal surface wear. The hinge is firm, and the box snaps shut securely. No thinning to the gold.\n\nSignificance\nAlexander James Strachan is represented in the world's finest museums, including the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Gilbert Collection. This 1803 example represents his early, most meticulous period. It is a blue-chip investment piece for collectors of English gold work and Georgian-era luxury. 1803 is a very early date for Strachan boxes, making it rarer than his later Victorian-era works. This is an extremely rare 'Object of Vertu 18ct gold novelty Book Snuff Box'\n\nThe gold book snuff box comes with it's later made green handmade box

— Details

Reference

SA1192138

Origin

London, 1803

Period

1800

Dimensions

W 7.2cm × H 4.5cm

Weight

69 g

Rarity

Extremely rare

Condition

Excellent — see description