Antique Paper Mache Snuffbox In The Form of a Shoe Copper Inlay Dragonfly & Butterfly Decoration

Description: Antique snuffbox or snuff box made of black lacquered papier-mache or paper-mache in the form of a Victorian shoe. The shoe is also decorated with what we believe is copper inlays to represent a dragonfly on top of the lid and a butterfly on the front of the shoe. The butterfly on the front is flying over and around golden flowers or plants. The snuff box has a hinged lid again with a copper inlay of a dragonfly. The shoe has a heal and a square tip. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.

Date: Uncertain, but most likely early to mid 1800's.

Origin: Continental, most likely France or England. 

Size: 3 1/8" long, 7/8" wide, and is 1 1/2" high. The piece itself weighs almost one ounce.

Maker: Unknown.

Marks: Unmarked.

Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: An antique and beautiful piece with a common design that is nicely decorated. Please see photos to appreciate the beauty and condition of this piece. This is truly a nice piece and would make a great addition to any collection. 

Condition: The box is in very condition with no major problems. The lid closes tightly and the inlay metal is all in securely. It does have scratches, wear, and loss of lacquering throughout commensurate with its age and utilitarian function. The heal of the shoe shows quite a bit of loss of lacquering exposing the paper-mache as well as some loss of the paper-mache. The inside shows bubbling to the lacquering at the top of the heal. There is also crazing to the lacquering which is hard to see but is there. These issues can be seen in the photos. The sole of the shoe also shows surface loss of the lacquering but no additional damage. A nice piece to add to your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.