FINE & RARE OCTAGONAL SCRIMSHAWED MOTHER OF PEARL SNUFF BOX~EARLY TO MID 1800's

Description

FINE & RARE OCTAGONAL SCRIMSHAWED MOTHER OF PEARL SNUFF BOX~EARLY TO MID 1800's
FINE & RARE OCTAGONAL SCRIMSHAWED
MOTHER OF PEARL SNUFF BOX
EARLY TO MID 1800's
FINE & RARE ANTIQUE SCRIMSHAWED MOTHER OF PEARL
SMALL SNUFF / TRINKET / KEEP SAKE / RING FOLK ART
OCTAGONAL OBJECT D` ART BOX ~ CIRCA 1840’S
This is an early to mid-1800's, fine & rare, Antique scrimshawed Mother of Pearl Folk Art small tabletop / dresser jewelry / ring / trinket / keepsake elongated rectangular shaped box, with 10 Mother of Pearl panels; 9 are hand engraved. This small, eye-appealing, delicate box is 2 3/4" wide X 1 1/2" deep X 1 1/8" tall and weighs only 2.0 ounces or 57 grams. The pearl panels of these boxes originated in China, and were crafted in the late 1700's to the mid 1800's. They are similar to the Chinese carved gaming chits that were popular in Europe for parlor games during this time.
It also should be mentioned that Mother of Pearl was unpolluted by the oceans at this time, and have an iridescence not found in modern pearl, especially in the sunlight. Although large oysters were plentiful at this time, it was still obtained by free divers that were limited in depth and was a very dangerous profession with a short lifespan. The carving pattern of the mother of Pearl depicts well known Georgian and Victorian tastes; love birds, birds in flight, flower patterns, and ornate scroll work and geometric patterns; and these panels were custom ordered and made to size so the pieces and patterns would match in creating different size boxes. These handmade boxes with imported Chinese panels were sold as an object d` art and intended for wealthy patrons of the arts. The panels were imported mostly into Old England and hand crafted into a variety of objects. This is the type of object and craftsmanship predominantly done by skilled English specialty Artisans; but were also created by Artisans in France and other countries. This piece was undoubtedly from France, as they preferred brass mountings in many of their articles. Other examples are known in a variety of different shapes, sizes, construction, and craftsmanship for a variety of uses as a functional piece; and also, as a decorative Object D’ Art.
In the late 18th to mid-19th century, nearly all men (and some women) used snuff (finely ground tobacco that was snorted) was a favorite, and quite in vogue. The fluted border of the top, and all the brass mounts have a deep, dark naturally aged untouched patina that collectors covet. This piece has several different features that demonstrate the artistic license and attention to detail of Master Craftsmen. It is apparent this piece was a collaboration; from Chinese pearl divers, pearl cutters & scrimshaw Artisans, importers, and French Craftsmen with considerable skills utilizing the thin, delicate pearl panels required an accomplished Artisan. All 9 panels are finely hand engraved; so lightly done, it resembles scrimshaw without the contrasting ink. The bottom panel is plain pearl. The base consists of 8 scrimshawed pearl panels in an octagonal pattern. The 8 engraved sides appear to have mitered end panels cut to make the 45-degree corners. This remarkable precision demonstrates the considerable skill of the Craftsmen. All 8 side panels have a similar style of scrimshaw. The inside bottom lip of the top lid has a small horizontal lip extrusion on the side border edge that is recessed cut to accept the bottom edge ad create a good seal to keep the snuff fresh. The top fits properly and tightly and stays closed in the upside-down position. The top octagonal panel has a double border with half circles and triangular patterns. The large center panel has fine cross hatched patterns with decorated squares with fine engraving and an escutcheon with initials as was customary for presentation pieces. The top is very slightly domed, causing a darker reflection of the natural pearl, which is uniformly off white.
This is a charming, elegant, delicate piece of hand-crafted Folk Art in remarkable condition for its extreme age. Of course, if dropped once, it would shatter and be destroyed. One would expect such a piece to show wear to the delicate and shallow scrimshaw engraving; however, this piece is in fine condition, with light usage; and appears to have been "put up" long ago. This piece is in untouched condition, with no cracks, chips, or repairs; and has a pleasing off-white color with naturally occurring aberrations in the Pearl that reflect light differently. This would be perfect for any Object D` Art, Folk Art, late 18th - mid 19th century jewelry, trinket, ring, keepsake or knickknack box, paper weight, decorator, desk accessory or conversation piece or gift; and could still be used today.
PAYMENT
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PAYPAL & ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER, e-CHECKS & ALL MAJOR CREDIT & DEBIT CARDS, APPLE PAY, GOOGLE PAY AND ALL OTHER PAYMENT METHODS APROVED BUY EBAY.
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SHIPPING
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FREE SHIPPING & HANDLING FOR DOMESTIC BUYERS & TO THE EBAY U.S.A. INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING CENTER.
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TERMS & CONDITIONS
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ALL BUYERS MUST CONFIRM HIGH BIDDER STATUS AND MUST MAKE PAYMENT WITHIN 3 BUSINESS DAYS OR 5 CALENDAR DAYS AFTER LISTING ENDS; otherwise, Seller reserves the right to cancel the sale and report you to eBay as a non-paying bidder. Seller reserves the right to relist an item if eBay's system goes down within 24 hours of the end of the auction. Bids will not be accepted from anyone that is not a registered eBay user. Seller reserves the right to cancel bids from any eBay buyer who Seller determines has an unsatisfactory eBay transaction history, has changed their eBay user Identity in the previous 30 days, whose eBay rating is listed as private.
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SELLER'S RETURN POLICY
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eBay customers are protected when they are an eligible buyer, complete a purchase of an eligible item on a eBay's website, and purchase the item on eBay by using the "Pay Now" option, third-party checkout or an eBay invoice in one lump payment with a PayPal approved financial business. Buyers must keep their PayPal account in good standing. Buyers must show good faith conduct with the seller. Improper good faith conduct can include, but is not limited to, any means by which a buyer can attempt to unjustly benefit from the Seller's Terms & conditions or eBay's Buyer Protection plan. Moreover, good faith conduct does not include buyer's remorse, regardless of the reason. Returns will not be accepted such as changed my mind, found a better price, just didn't like it, Ordered by mistake, Arrived too late, etc. Returns will not be accepted and buyers will be reported to eBay when buyer makes
false
claims such as doesn't match description or photos, doesn't seem authentic, Doesn't fit, Wrong item sent, Missing parts or pieces, Doesn't work or defective, Arrived damaged. If you wish to take advantage of any of the issue resolution options available from the seller, you must have the business courtesy to discuss any potential issue within 3 days of receipt, and gain agreement with the seller prior to requesting a return through eBay, leaving feedback or initiating any online dispute process. By doing so, buyers commit to negotiate in good faith, and that they have not initiated any other form of resolution processing; including eBay / PayPal dispute process or credit card charge backs, or purchases where you have been or may be compensated by a third party. Possible buyer / seller resolution examples are: if seller and buyer agree that an item is significantly different than described and photographed, exchanging an item for a different item from the seller (whether listed or unlisted), credit from the seller against any current or future item, adjustment, trade, return, or any other arrangement that is mutually agreed upon between the seller and the buyer, and confirmed in writing via eBay's email system. These options are designed to expedite resolution of any potential issue quickly, easily and amicably, in lieu of eBay / PayPal on-line dispute resolution process which is lengthy, laborious, and allows decisions to be made by a 3rd party instead of the principals; i.e., the buyer & seller. Due to a myriad of International and U.S. Federal, State, Territory, County, City or Local law(s), ordinance(s), restrictions(s) or regulation(s), some articles shipped via U.S.P.S. may have restrictions and / or regulations that may apply to your article(s) shipped to a U.S. address. Buyers are responsible for knowing if any International, Federal, State, Territory, County, City or Local law(s), ordinance(s), restrictions(s) or regulation(s) may apply to your article(s) shipped to your ship to your address; and buyers are responsible for any loss if any prohibited or restricted item(s) shipped to your ship to address is confiscated for any reason. Any item returned must be pre-approved by the seller and received by seller within 7 days from receipt. If a buyer claims the item is damaged in shipping, it must send photographic proof on eBays email system, gain agreement with the seller, and item must be returned before buyer enters a feedback comment and before any exchange, credit or refund is issued. Buyer must use appropriate shipping, delivery confirmation and / or signature confirmation (items 0 ) and/or insurance at the buyers expense. Restocking fee, partial refunds and refunds are negotiable when buyers are dealing in good faith.
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ALL BUYERS AGREE TO SELLERS RETURN POLICY THAT SUPERSEDES EBAYS RETURN POLICY FOR ALL ITEMS.
v.9.19.2020
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