The oval lidded horn box, the cover impressed with the arms of Sir Francis Drake
(1540-1596)
(the field with wavy fess between two stars,
the helmet adorned with a globe below a
3-masted ship under sail,
and a hand appearing out of the clouds holding a golden rope),
the continents indicated
within the field surrounding the globe, and "Drake"
faintly inscribed above the ship, elaborate scrolling foliate mantle, and
below the motto "Sic Parvis Magna”
(Greatness from Small
Beginnings), within a stepped reeded rim;
probably by John Obrisset; bearing
collector’s label “Adler Collection”, with inventory numbers
Provenance: Provenance: Adler Collection, London, England
Condition: generally quite good with a small crack in rim of base,
small loss to rim reeding (as shown), some
rubbing to lid
Note:
Drake snuff boxes are among
the best known "dies" attributed to Obrisset.
Some have been dated 1712, with initials OB.
Others found are unmarked. It
is said that these boxes were used by a descendent in a political
campaign.
The offered model is comparable to a box
in the collection of the Worshipful Company of Horners,
illustrated by
Hardwick; and
another in the Museum of
London, illustrated by Philips.
Literature: P. Hardwick, Discovering Horn, Guilford,
1981. p.101;
Philip A.S. Philips, John Obrisset and His work in Horn &
Tortoiseshell, London, 1931
1 1/8"High x 3 1/8" Wide x 4” Long
SOLD
#5564 |
