Antiques M.S. Rau | Swiss Gold Musical Snuff Box

This Special And Important Swiss Gold Music Box Is Chased And Engraved With A Set Of Musical Instruments Surrounded By Elaborate Swirls Of Ornate Foliage. Embossed With A Delightful Braided Gold Design, The Two-Compartment Box Features An Exquisite Oval Agate Key, Which Opens A Recessed Lock In The Base Of The Box. Such A Box Would Have Been A Prized Possession And Would Have Been Able To Fit Neatly Into A Gentleman’S Waistcoat Pocket.

Ingenious Miniature Portable Devices, Musical Snuff Boxes Such As This One Were Called Carillons À Musique. Highly Desired Objects Of Status And Crafted Primarily In Switzerland, They Influenced The Development And Popularity Of All Music Box Production In The 19Th Century.

Circa 1820

3 1/4″ Wide X 2″ Deep X 7/8″ High