Cowrie Shell Snuff Box Scottish Silver Mounted

Description

Heading : Georgian Scottish silver and cowrie shell snuff box
Date : c1820
Period : George III / Regency
Origin :  Almost certainly Scottish provincial
Decoration : Hinged silver cover with repousse and chased design depicting a woman reading in a garden. Along with this is a cherub holding a motto which reads “Rare Ben”. This is something of a mystery however we believe it to be related to the great English dramatist Ben Jonson whose memorial is inscribed with the phrase “O Rare Ben Jonson.”
Size :  8.3x7cm base. 4.5cm height
Condition : Good. there is a small split in the cover.
Restoration : None
Weight :  82 grams