A Gold-Mounted Micromosaic Snuff Box, Johann Carl Retzer, Vienna, 1802

rectangular with cut corners, the lid inset with a circular micromosaic plaque representing the Ponte Lucano and the mausoleum of the Plautii, in a chased anthemion frame, on a gold ground chased with a wheat sheaf, a theatrical mask, vine leaves and a spray of flowers to corners, flanked by engine-turned reeded bands and framed by foliate borders on a sablé ground, the sides similarly decorated, the base with elaborate geometric engine-turning in the outlines of a stylised Maltese cross surrounded by scrollwork borders and chased trophies of music, victory, abundance and a caduceus, the interior of the lid engraved with a presentation inscription reading: To / Thomas Clover Kensit Esquire / on his eightieth birthday / February 15th 1875 / from his friends / the members of the court / of the Skinners Company, maker's mark, town mark, date letter

4 in., 10 cm wide