Comments: A fantastic quality table snuff box by the premier Birmingham box maker. The scrolled border around the top of the cover is quite fantastic as is the similarly decorated cast thumb-lift. The seventeen knuckle hinge works perfectly and the interior is gilt. The underside is beautifully engine turned and all decoration is in crisp condition.

The centre of the box bears an interesting engraved presentation inscription: 

"Presented by

F & W Lewis 

of Belfast

 to 

Mr James Nelson, 

Girvan

As a token of esteem and respect

for his upright conduct in all their

transactions

for upwards of ten years

Augt. 9th 1850"

The company of F & W Lewis were timber merchants working from the Ballymacarrett district of the Northern Irish city of Belfast. Girvan is a port in South West Scotland that was particularly important for the consignments of timber from north America. There was a James Nelson working from Bank Street, Girvan as a wright (wheelwright?) in 1837.Plenty of scope for further research!

Return to snuff box listings