Early 19th c. Horn Snuffbox with Inlaid Image of a Gentleman in a Frock Coat

Description

This fine early 19th c. round horn snuffbox features an inlaid brass framed domed reverse glass with a painted and gilded portrait of a gentleman of the period with long hair, a pigtail and a frock coat and shirt ruff of the period.  This silhouette is cut with incredible care from the gilded reverse of the glass.  I believe the box is composed of horn of some type or some other natural substance given its variegated appearance.   I thought of the possibility of gutta percha but I think the box is too early for that.  It is 3 1/8" in diameter and is 15/16" thick.  The box is in very nice condition.  The reverse painted borders of the central image have a a bit of wear and minor losses but the central silhouette is in great condition.  I think the box is more likely to be French rather than British and dates to the very early years of the 19th c.
Stock number SA2A-284