Description

A very charming antique sterling silver snuff box of oval shape with an unusual double flap opening mechanism. Hand engraved on the lid with feather edge borders and an inscription in old fashioned script “A Gift of the Hon. Charles Hamilton To TT*. The underside is engraved with bull crest and the motto “I SAVED THE KING”. Retains the original gilt interior. Weight 75 grams, 2.4 troy ounces. Top 9.5 x 3.3 cms. Height 2.1 cms. Unmarked. English, circa 1760.

Literature: *Charles Hamilton (13 November 1704 – 18 September 1786), younger son of James Hamilton, 6th Earl of Abercorn, was a prominent figure in mid 17th century British society:
MP for Strabane in the Irish House of Commons between 1727 and 1760.
Clerk of the household to Frederick, Prince of Wales 1738-47;
Receiver general of the revenues of Minorca 1743-57.
Sat for Truro in the British House of Commons 1741 to 1747.
Elected Fellow of the Royal Society Mar 1747.

Signed/Inscribed: “I Saved the King” – legend has that during the Wars of Scottish Independence William of Rule saved King Robert Bruce by wrestling to the ground a bull that had charged at the King. In gratitude the King rewarded William with the lands of Pgiliphaugh and the title Turnbull. William Turnbull assumed a bull’s head as his heraldic symbol which, together with the motto, ‘I Saved The King has been incorporated into the Turnbull clan crest.

This pretty little box is in good condition with no damage or restoration. The hinges are strong. The engraving is still crisp with just a little wear on the top edges. There is a little surface scratching from use over the years, a few minor dinks to the sides and underside, the bottom edge has a small knock to one end. Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item

No maker assigned

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