George IV gold presentation snuff box with the emblem of Gran Colombia
George IV gold presentation snuff box with the emblem of Gran Colombia
Great Britain, London
1823–1824
Maker's mark of J. Northam (John Northam)
Gold; casting, chasing, engine-turning (guilloché), matting (punching).
2.4 x 8.9 x 6.2 cm
Stamped with the maker's mark "JN"; the fineness mark "18"; the London date letter for 1823–1824 (lowercase letter "h"); the duty mark showing the profile of King George IV; and the leopard's head (London assay office mark)
Gold snuff box of oval form, featuring a hinged lid. The exterior surfaces of the base and sides are decorated with engine-turned patterns, including wavy and herringbone designs (on the base). The center of the lid is adorned with an oval medallion centering an applied emblem of the Republic of Colombia (1819–1831), more commonly known as "Gran Colombia". The lower part of the emblem is further detailed with the abbreviation "BMA" (Bolivar Mining Association). The rim of the lid is decorated with a chased wreath of foliage and flowers, and the area surrounding the central medallion is filled with chased depictions of roses with stems and lush foliage.
Engraved on the interior of the lid with the presentation inscription: Presented by the Trustees of the Bolivar Mining Association to Joseph Edye Esqr as an Acknowledgement for the zealous and important Services he has so kindly rendered to the Association, 1825.
930PC569/ДПИ