Antiques M.S. Rau | Silver-Gilt Musical Snuff Box By Francois Nicole

This Exceptional Swiss Silver-Gilt Musical Snuff Box Was Crafted By The Famed François Nicole. At First Glance, The Diminutive Piece Appears To Simply Be An Exquisite 19Th-Century Snuff Box, With Neoclassical-Style Chased And Engraved Borders Of Foliage And Flowering Thistles. A Quick Wind Of The Key, However, Reveals The Complex Mechanism Hidden Inside. The Musical Movement Plays Two Airs With A Fine Single-Piece Comb Of 61 Teeth. The Movement Is In Exceptional Condition, Complete With Its Original Key.

Once Known As Carillons À Musique, Musical Snuff Boxes Were Once Considered Status Symbols Amongst The Wealthy Elite. A Step Above The Traditional Snuff Box, Musical Boxes Helped To Influence The Development And Popularity Of All Music Box Production In The 19Th Century.

Comb Stamped “F. Nicole”

Circa 1820

3 7/16″ Wide X 2 1/8″ Deep X 1″ High