Lot 507 , A rare late 17th century silver and tortoiseshell octagonal puzzle tobacco box, gross 3 oz.

A rare late 17th century silver and tortoiseshell octagonal puzzle tobacco box, the hinged lid engraved with the shield and crest of Swinfen of Swinfen Hall, Staffordshire amongst floral decoration and central Arabic and Roman dial with hands, the sides set with eight turned tortoiseshell panels and base engraved with panel of forty two squares containing numbers, asterisks and letters within a scrolling border, unmarked, circa 1660-1670, 3.25in, gross 3 oz.
Estimate £1,500-2,500

A similar puzzle box, in brass, was exhibited at The Captain Kidd Story Exhibtion at the Museum of London Docklands in 2011.

All the tortoiseshell panels have some damage ranging from minute chips to more obvious larger chips. The engraved decoration on the angles between the tortoiseshell panels is showing signs of wear. There are some minor surface scratches to the base and a few surface indentations around the inner circumference of the dial. The box does not lock as the button appears to have been cut from the inside as it can be freely opened and closed. Unsure if the locking mechanism would work as the combination is unavailable. Considering age, the overall condition is fairly good.


Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Gorringes Conditions of Sale.

Sold for £1,400