A nineteenth century Swiss fourteen-carat vari-coloured gold snuff box.
 
Of curved rectangular form, the rose gold ground, with yellow gold highlights, the hinged cover decorated with a classical Roman scene, with stiff acanthus borders, and circular vignettes with central stylised flower-heads, the underside decorated with a central oval vignette depicting a mother bird with her chicks, within a surround of foliate sprays, the interior struck with multiple Swiss control marks. 
 
Provenance: Formerly the property of Sir Abraham Walter de Frece MP.
 
The piece has been tested as 14ct gold. 
 
Dimensions: length 8.5cm. Width 6.0cm. Height: 1.5cm. 
 
Weight:81 grams. 
 
Condition: Excellent gauge. Definition of the detail of the decoration is lovely and crisp. The cover snaps shut well. One or two tiny dings noticeable on the polished surface of the interior. Mentioned for accuracy.