18th Century Unicorn Snuffbox?

[tux]

Ok so here we have a new project.
Its a gold plated snuffbox, with only the maker W.H with a Star above.
I only found one website with an identical box shape, size, weight but different image.
With the only information known: An 18th century silver snuff box, WH makers mark only

I dont even know the country of origin, the other was located in the UK, but mine came from Holland.
Help is much appreciated on age, maker, country and if you think it's an unicorn, lol

[oel]

Snuff or tobacco box..
Embossed lid with a scene of Greek mythology - Orpheus playing the harp and enchanting animals. Not with an unicorn but a horse next to the branch of a tree.

https://sites.owu.edu/trident/2022/02/2 ... f-orpheus/
The mark W.H under star framed, not a Dutch recorded maker's mark.
Is the maker's mark struck twice, location of the mark(s)?
The marks at the left corner image, is it a dog's, boar's or eagle head, facing left or right or...?
Image of the box sides and back, dimensions and weight should be helpful.



Peter.

Source/image Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam; Orpheus speelt op zijn harp voor de dieren (Orpheus plays his harp for the animals)
Henri van der Stok (signed by artist) (print maker) , Vereniging tot bevordering van het Aesthetisch Element in het Voortgezet Onderwijs(publisher)

[tux]

Good morning @oel

Here some more information:
The makers mark is struck twice, correct: Both visible when you open the box
One being inside the box at the center and the other inside the top of the lit at the center

The dimensions are: 7,1 x 5,3 x 1,8 cm
And weight: 71,5 grams

Well spotted, so it might be Greek.

I'm not sure the left side is even a mark, its smaller then a toothpick point, I used super zoom + through a magnifier to get anything at all.
It might just be a coincident dent, I have seen marks this size before on Portuguese silver so I'm not sure. It's not visible IRL either.

(not the best light for the photos but it gives an impression)

[oel]

Considering the style and the location of the marks, and the absence of more hallmarks, definitively not Dutch (guild) silver.
I suspect it might be German, early Hanau or Austria Hungary. Best to say continental (early) 19th century, unknown maker's mark.
Herewith a British same theme Orpheus playing the harp

Georgian silver Vinaigrette box made by Joseph Taylor in Birmingham, 1827.


Peter.

Gratitude Image; Artisan Antiques Mayfair, London

[tux]

Thanks, the 2 examples Ive seen with the same shape and dimensions (only different image on the lit) noted 18th century one of them was an auction house. Great finds and info!