18th Century Sterling Silver Snuff Boxes

[tallbear]

   These are a series of recently completed silver snuff boxes that I just finished up.They are based on an early 18th century original in the collections at Winterthur in Delaware.The cupid and bow is the artwork on the original which is a common theme on English Boxes of the period.One of the other interesting things about the original is that it's signed by a women(Sarah Ranson)which is very unusual for the period.It is speculated that she had always worked in her husbands shop and he passed allowing her to sign her own work.Engraving's on the rest of the boxes are pulled from history.......

Mitch

[Stoner creek]

Incredible.

[Joey R]

X’s 2

[Tim Crosby]

 Beauties Mitch. I'm going to send this link to my Daughter.

   Tim

[old george]

Wow!!!! those are great.

george

[Panzerschwein]

I am an avid fan of nasal snuff, those are great boxes for sure.

[davec2]

Mitch,

Magnificent silver work (as usual)    Love the engraving and the size of these lovely boxes.  I would love to see a picture of the interior and how you make the lid and bottom fit.

Thanks

[flatsguide]

Very nice work! A very clean period look to it.
Richard

[Marcruger]

That sea monster is so cool!  Go Mitch go. 

[tallbear]

  I would love to see a picture of the interior and how you make the lid and bottom fit.

Dave

They are pretty simple.I start by making the top side around a wood form ,solder it and then fit the bottom side inside the top side, they need to be fairly snug as snuff boxes need to be as airtight as possible to keep the snuff from drying out.Then I solder the bottom side.Then planish the solder joints on both.If the sides are a little too snug just planish the top side a little more to stretch it.Then I solder the sides to the top and bottom just like a cab setting keeping the little lip consistent all the way around if that makes sense....The top and the bottom are engraved ahead of soldering as it's much easier although it adds an element of risk

Mitch

[davec2]

Mitch,

Thanks so much for the pictures and the explanation.  Beautiful work....and I understand about the "element of risk" associated with soldering after the engraving is complete.  Do you use an "ezy flo" type (i.e. lower temp ~ 1100 degree) silver solder or are you in the 1400 degree range ? ?

[tallbear]

Dave

The sides I did with Hard(1450) and the top and bottom I did with Medium(1360).I try not to go below those temp solders unless I need to as the color does'nt match as well.

Mitch

[Daryl]

Tall Bear indeed!! Those are lovely. I especially like the engraving design with the swirl lines and music notes.
Simple elegance!

[Robert Hill]

Those sure are some cool little boxes.
-Robert Hill

[skratch]

Museum quality, Revere would be proud!