Antique French Carved Snuff Box, RARE Louis XVIII Profile in Bas Relief c. 1820s

  

Known as the Desired, was King of France from 1814 to 1824, except for the Hundred Days in 1815. He spent twenty-three years in exile: during the French Revolution and the First French Empire, and during the Hundred Days.

Born at the Palace of Versailles, King of France from April 1814 to March 1815 and again from July 1815 to September 1824. He became king with the Bourbon Restoration of the monarchy after the overthrow of Napoleon I. He ruled a constitutional monarchy, meaning he was not the main leader of his government.

This snuff box which is very old and bears his likeness in a pressed or molded manner. It is lined, as was typical, in tortoise shell. An unusual item, I'd say a commemorative piece marking either his ascension to the throne, or his death. It would appear perhaps the latter, studying his portraits. And it would be about right for age: 1824 or so.

Notable: Louis XVIII died in the Louvre, Paris. Very good to excellent for age and type. The steam-moulded tortoise shell snuff box is unique, and in fine shape for age with only a little disruption to the inner lip (see images).

The outer box, closed for display, is superb. Measurements are noted on the photos, but it is more pocket snuff sized at 3 3/8 diameter.