A Continental Gold Inlaid Tortoiseshell Snuff-Box Possibly Naples, Mid 18th Century

cartouche-shaped, the hinged cover centrally pique-inlaid in gold with a scene of a gentleman pursued by Cupid and pierced with his arrow, below the caption 'Trop Tard', which translates as 'Too Late', and within elaborate foliage scrolls and figural busts, the base inlaid with a winged putto within pique-inlaid foliage scrolls 82mm wide

Apparently unmarked. There are some overall surface scratching and wear, consistent with age and use. There are some small areas where the gold is lifting slightly. There is one small area of gold inlay lacking from the border of the cover and some small losses to the pique inlay, this is mostly visible under magnification. The gold inlay tests as approximately 16ct. There are some splits to the tortoiseshell in places. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the Seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage people to see an item in person when possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated. Works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession.