Regency gold presentation snuff box with the coat of arms of the Metcalfe baronets
Regency gold presentation snuff box with the coat of arms of the Metcalfe baronets
Britain, London
1818-1819
Maker's mark of A. Strachan (Andrew Strachan)
Gold; engine-turning (guilloché), casting, chasing, carving
3.3 x 9.2 x 3.5 cm
Stamped with the maker's mark "AJS"; the fineness mark "18"; the duty mark showing the profile of King George III; the London date letter for 1818–1819 (capital letter "C"); and the leopard's head
A gold snuff box of elongated oval form, featuring a hinged lid with a thumb piece. The surfaces of the sides, lid, and base are decorated with engine-turned geometric pattern. The borders of the lid and the base are accentuated by a chased garland of oak leaves and acorns. The thumb piece is modelled as a shell framed by buds and foliage. The exterior of the lid features an appliqué coat of arms of the Metcalfe baronets in the center, bearing the motto "CONQUIESCO".
Engraved on the interior of the lid with the presentation inscription:
Presented to Sir Charles Theophilus Metcalfe Bart. G.C.B. Lieutenant Governor of the northwestern Provinces In December 1837 By the East Indians of Agra as a token of respect gratitude and esteem for His eminent public services & private Virtues & particularly for the liberal interest evinced by Him in the cause of the East Indian community
925PC204/ДПИ