Images(2)

Tobacco Box

Date1723-1724

Marked by Edward Cornock

OriginEngland, London

MediumSilver and gold

DimensionsLength: 4 1/16"; Width: 3 3/16"; Height: 7/8"

Credit LineGift of Her Majesty, Elizabeth, The Queen Mother of England

Object number1954-677

DescriptionOval tobacco box with a slightly domed lid and bottom. The lid has a molded lip and is engraved with scrolls and foliage surrounding a blank lozenge. Its interior is gilded.Label TextAs a gift of Her Majesty, Elizabeth, The Queen Mother of England, this tobacco box is a treasured item in Colonial Williamsburg's collection. Simple yet elegant, the decoration which appears on this tobacco box seem to have been prepared to receive the arms of a certain lady, but were never engraved within its vacant lozenge. The fine layer of gilding applied to the interior of the box would have protected the underlying silver from the corrosive effects of tobacco.Mark(s)Marked on the bezel with London sterling hallmarks in relief: 1) date letter "H" for 1723/24; 2) sponsor's mark "EC" in oval; 3) lion passant; 4) leopard's head crowned. Also marked in the underside center of the lid with a lion passant in relief.ProvenanceGift of Her Majesty, Elizabeth, The Queen Mother of England.
Acquired by CWF in 1954.