Antique Hand Carved Bone Napoleon Era Snuff Box 4 Long, c. 1790-1815, – Antiques & Uncommon Treasure

The figures on back/bottom help us to date this hand carved bone 2 3/4 long snuff box and the style in general help us with identification. It is carved bone, and typical of the French Revolutionary to Napoleonic War prisoner's carvings that survive. A museum piece, one would expect to see it in the Museum of Paris History, the Marais, Paris, where many such items are displayed. The box is an exceptional item of history, and now is over 200 years old. 

Very good to excellent condition age and type considered. The box is entirely carved of bone and is definitely carved by a prisoner of war, or a soldier. A couple carved on top and bottom. Perhaps a wish of the carver for his wife back at home. Hinge is fashioned as a self-pinned. I point out one flaw - a chip along the edge of panel where the carved man's head is. A rare object, indeed. Shown in very enlarged photos so you can see condition and details, it sort of distorts the beauty of the folk art carving. Full measurements are noted on the photos.