Superb George III Era Sterling Snuff Box With Agates, Marked John Shaw c.1804-5

Description

A very handsome late Georgian snuff box of solid and weighty sterling construction, featuring a large oval cabochon of translucent brown banded agate on the lid, and with a panel of the same forming its base, marked by John Shaw of Birmingham with his hallmarks, the lion passant assay mark, and the date mark for 1804-5.
It’s a very smart example, with a design that stresses quality over ostentation, in a manner that feels rather modern. The heavy silver setting is plain, with a simple band bezel around the pretty cabochon set in the lid; the bottom panel of brown banded agate is beveled at its perimeter, and simply set, likewise.
Condition is very good, with but one discreet ding to the silver of the lid on the left side (See photos) but obviously its heavy construction has served it well over the years. Both the sizable cabochon stone and the panel making up the base are without flaw.
This fine silver snuff box measures 2 1/2” long, 1 13/16” wide, and 5/8” high. It weighs 2.9 oz./82g overall, though I can’t say what the tare weight of the stones are; I CAN say that the silver elements are unusually weighty for a snuff box of this era.
Shipped with USPS Priority Mail, or via tracked first class mail internationally, safely packed.
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