Images(3)

Snuffbox

Maker Unknown, French, 18th Century

Additional Title(s)

Tabatière

ClassificationsDECORATIVE ARTS

Date1795-1809

Mediumgold

Dimensions1 7/8 x 2 5/8 in. (4.8 x 6.7 cm.)

DescriptionOblong snuffbox of gold with engraving.

Signed. French assay mark 1795-1797; 2. Aa toll mark or a workman's mark (untraceable). These marks are repeated twice at the side base.. ; 3. French gold export mark 1798-1809. Inscribed inside the lid: To Paul Beck Junr Esqr/ This small memorial of esteem is presented by /his sincere friend /W. Jackson/May 15th, 1812

InscribedInside top cover are the words, "To Paul beck Jun, r Esq.r This small memorial of esteem is presented by his sincere friend W. Jackson may 15th, 1812"

Markings. French assay mark 1795-1797; 2. Aa toll mark or a workman's mark (untraceable). These marks are repeated twice at the side base.. ; 3. French gold export mark 1798-1809. Inscribed inside the lid: To Paul Beck Junr Esqr/ This small memorial of esteem is presented by /his sincere friend /W. Jackson/May 15th, 1812

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Gift of the Virginia Steele Scott Foundation

Status

On view

Label TextOval in form and of comparatively simple guilloche (engine-turned) engraving in the form of concentric ovals centered on the point immediately above the thumb-piece, this snuffbox was depicted in the portrait of Paul Beck Jr. by Thomas Sully (83.8.46). It was given to Beck by William Jackson, and important political figure during the American Revolution. The interior of the snuffbox bears the inscription:

To Paul Beck Jun,r Esq.r
This small memorial of esteem is presented by his sincere friend W. Jackson, May 15th, 1812

Object number84.42

Exhibitions

American Made: Selections from The Huntington's Early American Art Collections