Rare Cork Silver-Mounted Mother-of-Pearl Snuff Box

[scorpio]

This is a rare exquisite silver-mounted mother-of-pearl snuff box, circa 1780, by either John Hillery or John Humphreys (Humphries), both Cork silversmiths operating during the mid to late 18th century. Dates for John Hillery are 1756-1780 and for John Humphreys, 1773-1787. The I.H maker's mark (with a star between the initials) on the snuff box is very clear, but despite all the research into Cork silver over the past decade, there still seems to be doubt as to which of these two silversmiths this mark should be attributed to. It's the top mark under John Hillery or John Humphreys here http://www.925-1000.com/IrishProvincial_03.html#M although the star shape is not so obvious in that small image. Using a loupe, it's easily seen on the snuff box and in the photo below.

I have come across a few Irish Provincial silver-mounted cowrie shell snuff boxes but not a silver-mounted mother-of-pearl one. On its website though, Weldon Jewellers shows a photograph of an oval-shaped silver-mounted mother-of-pearl snuff box, the top carved as a cameo of a lady in a dress. It's said to be circa 1730.

The mother-of-pearl on this Cork snuff box is intricately carved. Around the outside of the mother-of-pearl top is a narrow band of 31 small domes and inside that a wide band of exquisitely carved foliate decoration. Further in are two decorative bands and setting off the centre, a tiny silver pin in a plain circle. The mother-of-pearl base is left natural. Did the silversmith cut and carve the mother-of-pearl himself or did he contract this work to another craftsman? I suspect the latter, but whoever did it was very gifted.

The narrow reeded silver lid edge fits snugly over the base. There is no STERLING mark or crest on the silver, just the maker's mark. Given the excellent condition of the mark and no evidence whatsoever of wear, erasure or thinning, it's very obvious this is the way it was made. The mother-of-pearl shell is in perfect condition with no cracks or flaws at all. The diameter is 7.2cm, height 3cm and weight is 96.5g (3.40oz).

This is a fine example of Cork workmanship and one I am delighted to have in my silver collection.













Gordon

[dognose]

Hi Gordon,

Many thanks for sharing with us this very unusual piece.

I suppose there could be many scenarios to the origin of the carvings, if not local workmanship, then perhaps the pieces were acquired in some-place like Italy by someone on the 'Grand Tour', or perhaps it was originally a mother-of-pearl box purchased on such a trip, that had become damaged, the lid and base salvaged, and taken to Messrs. Hillery/Humphreys to see if he could resurrect the box, if so, then it's a credit to his fine skills.

The lack of the perhaps expected 'Sterling' mark would fit in well with the above, as it would not have been an object offered for sale, so there was no need to make a claim of quality, only to mark that of the workmanship. Another reason maybe for the lack of the 'Sterling' mark is that perhaps the silver was supplied by the customer, and Hillery/Humphreys not being aware of the actual quality may not have wanted to make a claim they were uncertain of.

Great item!

Trev.

[scorpio]

Thanks Trev. You've portrayed some interesting scenarios that I must admit I hadn't thought of. I'd like to think it was local workmanship that produced the fine mother-of-pearl carving but perhaps it originated further afield.

I hope to be in Cork next week and in the company of people who are experts on antique Cork silver so if I do travel down I'll bring the snuff box with me and see if I can get any more information on this intriguing little item.

Gordon

[Aeneas Ryan]

I know nothing about Cork makers but I do know a bit about Irish snuff boxes. Round boxes are almost unheard of and this type of lid would be cumbersome to a snuff taker.

I think this box had another purpose. Have you considered the possibility that it might be a pyx (the container used to transport the consecrated host)? The shape and size are right but the absence of any identifiable religious symbols argues against that use.

Another thought is that, with its graceful decoration, this object may have been more likely intended for a female than a male customer . Ladies didn't tend to take snuff so maybe it had some other feminine use, pills, patches, etc.

[Aeneas Ryan]

Additional point in connection with the pyx possibility: Is the interior of the box gilded? Pyxs usually are.

[scorpio]

I know nothing about Cork makers but I do know a bit about Irish snuff boxes. Round boxes are almost unheard of and this type of lid would be cumbersome to a snuff taker.

I think this box had another purpose. Have you considered the possibility that it might be a pyx (the container used to transport the consecrated host)? The shape and size are right but the absence of any identifiable religious symbols argues against that use.

Another thought is that, with its graceful decoration, this object may have been more likely intended for a female than a male customer . Ladies didn't tend to take snuff so maybe it had some other feminine use, pills, patches, etc.

Additional point in connection with the pyx possibility: Is the interior of the box gilded? Pyxs usually are.

I was away on holidays so only reading your comments now. You know far more than I do about Irish snuff boxes and I doubt Cork snuff boxes differed in any significant way from Dublin ones so perhaps it did have a different use. Is it a pyx? I don't think so, for the reasons you state, no IHS or other religious symbol and no internal gilding or traces of same. The box is beautifully decorated so your observation that it could be for a lady is an interesting one. The absence of a STERLING mark suggests to me it was made for someone who did not need this quality mark, perhaps a family member. If you would like a look at it, let me know via PM.

Gordon