18th century English Enamel Snuff Box “Night” after Philippe Mercier

An eighteenth-century, circa 1765, English enamel snuff box of three-lobed form decorated with a well-painted portrait of a woman holding a mask from the engraving by Richard Houston (ca.1721–1775) of “Night” by Philippe Mercier (1689-1760). The sides and base are decorated with sprays of flowers on a raised gilt diamond pattern. Gilt mounts. Probably London or Birmingham.

Measurements:
Depth (lid top to bottom): 6.3cm (2.5in)
Width: 6.5cm (2.6in)
Height: 3cm (1.2in)

Condition:
General: Good for age and type
Exterior:
Lid: A few hairlines. Tiny loss by the lady’s bodice. 
Sides: Very light hairlines. Two small chips to edges of back. Some discolouration of gilding.
Base: Light scuff near front. Very light short hairlines near edge.
Interior: 
Underside of lid: Star crack and hairlines. Small chip at edge.
Interior of box: Hairlines, mainly to sides.
Mounts:
Very good, most gilding still present. 

References: 
For a similarly decorated rectangular portrait snuff box attributed to London manufacture, see Susan Benjamin, “English Enamel Boxes From the Eighteenth to the Twentieth Centuries”, Pg.50, Fig.1, Macdonald & Co Ltd, 1987.
For an enamel scent bottle with the same portrait, see Hughes, Therle and Bernard, “English Painted Enamels”, Pg.117, Pl.65, Hamlyn, 1967.

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