Oh So Finely Decorated Queen Victoria and Prince Albert Commemorative Snuff Box

THE STORY - When I purchased this snuff box it was thought to be made from Irish Bog Oak which was a medium very popular in the Victorian era, often used for Mourning Jewellery. But I think what attracted me to this snuff box, its fine and detailed decoration means it isn't Bog Oak as it would be impossible to carve it so finely but instead I now think it is made from a medium known as Bois Durci which was basically a very early moulded plastic like material made from Wood Sawdust and blood. The decoration on this Snuff Box is so very fine at the centre of the lid we have in profile Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, I am not certain but I imagine that this snuff box was to commemorate their Wedding on 10th February 1840 and framing them in a circle are their names and dates of birth on the edge of the lid are a number of flower like decorations reminding me of the patterns of spirograph with their roulette shaped curves. On the bottom of box is an image I could find absolutely no reference to on the internet, although I have tried and tried and tried. On one side of the central crest there stands a man and woman and on the other side a woman with three children, possibly one side is the marriage and the other represents the children they will hopefully have in the future. And around this there is the most amazing decoration of what looks like hundred of small circles in a spring like form. And then we come to the sides of the box which are moulded in a way that makes me think of basket weaving and giving it quite a stunning profile. The lid screws off to reveal the left over dust of its once much desired Snuff.

AGE - Circa 1840

CONDITION - This Snuff Box is in very good condition with no chips or scratches that I can see. The lid still screws on and off the box perfectly. There is I think a slight fault with the moulding on the date of the month of Prince Albert's birth with August not showing fully.

DIMENSIONS (Approx) - Diameter - 2&3/4" / 7cm, Height 3/4" / 2cm

This Snuff Box maybe small in size, but it is in no way small in decoration. It really would have been impossible I think to hand carve so much and so detailed decoration. I have to say I marvel at the design of this piece even drawing it originally on paper must of been a feat let alone creating the finished piece. And I truly do think this is a piece very fitting of the Commemoration, I just hope the snuff within was enjoyed whilst its owner read about the Royal Wedding in their newspaper the following day.