This magnificent antique George IV sterling silver gilt table snuff box has a rectangular form with rounded corners.
The body of this rare and unusual antique snuff box is plain and embellished to the anterior surface with the bright cut engraved crest depicting on a mound a hawk rising, wings elevated and displayed, surmounted a garter bearing the engraved initials 'WR'.
The upper and lower rims of the box are encompassed with applied moulded borders.
This exceptional example of antique silverware is fitted with a hinged hallmarked cover embellished with an impressive cast and applied scene of an Elizabethan figure in high relief, raising a glass and vending bottles, accented with a street scene to the background.
The underside of the box bears the original engraved Shakespearean chant, known as 'Come fill to the Brim!':
Come fill to the brim! why remember, Our griefs and the goblet so boon? We have all felt the blast of December, Let this be the sun-shine of June.
I see by the flask of each eye boys, There's none in a humour to whine- So if care should presume to draw nigh boys, By Bacchus we'll duck him in wine.
I too have my griefs but forget them, In quaffing the blifs of the bowl: When flowers are drooping we wet them, And why not the same with the soul?
Then fill! why should trifles annoy us? Here's the girl or the friend of each heart, While together at least, let's be joyous - Tis too soon to be sad till we part.
The underside further incorporates the engraved name 'Law & Son, Dublin'
This exceptional 19th century snuff box retains the original gilding.
This magnificent table snuff box is a rare example and the finest of its type you could hope to acquire.
Maker: John Linnit
Date: 1820
