Erotic French Pressed Burr Maple Snuff Box

Period: 1800-1900

Origin: France

Medium: Ivory, Burr Walnut, Gold and Tortoiseshell

Literature: These boxes made from burr maple or sometimes birch were first turned to a solid block of the required size and thickness and then steamed and impressed with a design from medal dies. After hardening, a horizontal saw cut was made through the block, the two layers recessed to form a box and lid, and then lined with tortoiseshell. A very rare few of these boxes have secret compartments concealed in the base, some contain a profile of Napoleon and some like this one an erotic scene.