An 18ct gold presentation snuff box, maker's mark of John Mackay for Mackay & Cunningham, Edinburgh, 1824

rectangular with shaped sides, the lid engraved with a coat of arms within a rococo cartouche, the ground richly chased with a plethora of architectural fantasies, masks, flower clusters and volutes, the sides similarly chased, the interior of the lid and base inscribed and dated 1824, fully marked on interior of lid and base, the rim inscribed: Mackay & Cunningham Edin^r fecit.

The arms are those of John Murray Belshes (?-1863) - quarterly, 1st and 4th Hepburn, 2nd Belshes and 3rd Murray for Hepburn-Belshes of Blackcastle and Invermay, with a crescent for second son.

John Murray Belshes, evidently a sporting enthusiast and later a Major in the Indian Army, is best known for having persuaded William IV in 1834 to patronise the St Andrews golf club and allow it to use the title 'Royal and Ancient'.

The inscription on the interior reads: 'Presented / by the / Strathearn Coursing Club / to their / Honorary Secretary / John Murray Belshes Esq. / 1824. The inscription on the base lists the officers, members and honorary members of the club at that date. The presentation was recorded by the Perthshire Courier on 19 November 1824: 'At the late Autumn Meeting of the Strathearn Coursing Club, a handsome Gold Snuff-Box, bearing an appropriate inscription, was presented by Sir Patrick Murray, Bart., in the name of the members of the club, to Major John Murray Belshes, their Secretary, as the unanimous tribute of their respect due to this gentleman, for his unremitted attentions, and disinterested services, in so largely promoting the happiness and comfort of the Society'.

Good condition. 166.5gr.
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The buildings chased on lid and base represent a variety of architectural styles and include idealised views of the Colosseum, Abbotsford and Burns's Cottage. Another gold presentation box of the same date by the same makers, decorated with similar views was sold Sotheby's London, 19 November 1965, lot 138.