I recently came across this small antique item, most likely a snuff box or small case, and I would appreciate your opinion as I am unsure about the materials and age.
The body appears to be made of ivory, bone, or possibly an early plastic material. The metal mounts have a dark patina, and one of the fittings bears a small hallmark (see detail photo). Inside, there is an old paper label with handwritten text stating:
“Snuff box of the Prussian Field Marshal Schwerin, fallen in 1757 near Prague.”
I would mainly like to ask:
what do you think about the metal parts — could they be silver, or rather a base/post-silvered metal?
does anyone recognize this hallmark?
does the workmanship correspond to an older historical period, or is it more likely a later collector’s curiosity?
Any opinions or insights would be greatly appreciated.
Would probably need a closer clearer photograph of the “ ivory “ looking material to see if there’s any grain pattern !!!, ivory ( in my opinion ) tends to be cross hatched, whereas bone mainly has what I’d describe as flecked !!. A beautiful piece of military history in my opinion .
Schwerin von (Kurt Christoph, Count and Field-marshal), 1684-1757. “Let all brave Prussians follow me,” said just before he fell dead, having been struck by a cannon ball.
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