IMPORTANT LATE 18TH/EARLY 19TH CENTURY PIQUE SNUFF BOX ATTRIBUTED TO PAUL REVERE II (1735-1818).

IMPORTANT LATE 18TH/EARLY 19TH CENTURY PIQUE SNUFF BOX ATTRIBUTED TO PAUL REVERE II (1735-1818). The snuff box of oval form having a frame made from coin silver enclosing a lid and base made from tortoise shell. The lid is decorated with an engraved inscription “Liberty is Pleasant” within a banner above a winged heart motif. Below the winged heart motif is an engraved scene comprised of three buildings with fencing and foliage. Lid engraving is enhanced with silver pique inlay. There is no other piece with silver pique inlay of American origin known to exist in any museum collection in the world. It bears the attributes of being made by an American silversmith and although it does not bear a maker’s hallmark, documented information indicates the likelihood that the box was made by the American patriot silversmith and engraver Paul Revere II (1735-1818). Revere is documented to have made use of pique tortoise shell in some of his work. An entry in his day book indicates this. The design characteristics of the snuff box frame is similar to that of a silver and cowry shell snuff box which bears the hallmark of Revere and other known pieces. Also, the hinged design is similar. The lid’s inscription uses an identical style of lettering found on other pieces documented to have been made by Paul Revere II, including the Liberty bowl as well as the design style of the banner is identical, along with the lettering, to one of Revere’s engraved teapots. It is thought that this could be a personal item made by Paul Revere II and this coincides with pieces that are known to have been produced for his personal use which were not hallmarked. The inscription “Liberty is Pleasant” bears sentimental similarity to wording used by Paul Revere II in both poetry and inscriptions found on other pieces including the fact that he lived on Pleasant Street near Liberty. The engraved scene appears to represent Revere’s homestead in Canton Dale where Revere felt at peace. He purchased the property in 1801 establishing the first rolling copper mill in America and at that time the property had three buildings; a center chimney framed dwelling house, a triphammer shop and a “cole” house. All three buildings are depicted on the engraved lid of the snuff box. The snuff box is extremely rare and desirable due to the probability of it being made by the Patriot silversmith Paul Revere II. Coupled with the fact that silver pique inlay found decorating an American made item is unique and unprecedented. This snuff box would serve as a cornerstone to any sophisticated collection of historical Americana. Please Note: Accompanying the lot is a folder of research and scholarly study regarding the piece. Also a certified forensic document examination regarding the engraving and is signed by Joe B. Alexander, December 11, 2006. SIZE: 3/4″ h x 3″ l x 2″ w. CONDITION: Showing use with some denting, the pique silver work not present in all engraving. Otherwise very good. 9-94209 (30,000-50,000)

Auction: Fine Art, Antiques & Asian - Samoset 2008

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2199	$0.00	IMPORTANT LATE 18TH/EARLY 19TH CENTURY PIQUE SNUFF BOX ATTRIBUTED TO PAUL REVERE II (1735-1818). The snuff box of oval form having a frame made from coin silver enclosing a lid and base made from tortoise shell. The lid is decorated with an engraved inscription “Liberty is Pleasant” within a banner above a winged heart motif. Below the winged heart motif is an engraved scene comprised of three buildings with fencing and foliage. Lid engraving is enhanced with silver pique inlay. There is no other piece with silver pique inlay of American origin known to exist in any museum collection in the world. It bears the attributes of being made by an American silversmith and although it does not bear a maker’s hallmark, documented information indicates the likelihood that the box was made by the American patriot silversmith and engraver Paul Revere II (1735-1818). Revere is documented to have made use of pique tortoise shell in some of his work. An entry in his day book indicates this. The design characteristics of the snuff box frame is similar to that of a silver and cowry shell snuff box which bears the hallmark of Revere and other known pieces. Also, the hinged design is similar. The lid’s inscription uses an identical style of lettering found on other pieces documented to have been made by Paul Revere II, including the Liberty bowl as well as the design style of the banner is identical, along with the lettering, to one of Revere’s engraved teapots. It is thought that this could be a personal item made by Paul Revere II and this coincides with pieces that are known to have been produced for his personal use which were not hallmarked. The inscription “Liberty is Pleasant” bears sentimental similarity to wording used by Paul Revere II in both poetry and inscriptions found on other pieces including the fact that he lived on Pleasant Street near Liberty. The engraved scene appears to represent Revere’s homestead in Canton Dale where Revere felt at peace. He purchased the property in 1801 establishing the first rolling copper mill in America and at that time the property had three buildings; a center chimney framed dwelling house, a triphammer shop and a “cole” house. All three buildings are depicted on the engraved lid of the snuff box. The snuff box is extremely rare and desirable due to the probability of it being made by the Patriot silversmith Paul Revere II. Coupled with the fact that silver pique inlay found decorating an American made item is unique and unprecedented. This snuff box would serve as a cornerstone to any sophisticated collection of historical Americana. Please Note: Accompanying the lot is a folder of research and scholarly study regarding the piece. Also a certified forensic document examination regarding the engraving and is signed by Joe B. Alexander, December 11, 2006. SIZE: 3/4″ h x 3″ l x 2″ w. CONDITION: Showing use with some denting, the pique silver work not present in all engraving. Otherwise very good. 9-94209 (30,000-50,000) Auction: Fine Art, Antiques & Asian - Samoset 2008 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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