(ca. 1825) Washington First in War Snuff Box. Lacquered Wood. Fine.89.5 mm x 23 mm. The lid presents a civil bust right with stern expression set atop a cloud, name WASHINGTON below. At top is a single-line arched legend FIRST IN WAR, FIRST IN PEACE, AND FIRST IN THE HEARTS OF HIS COUNTRYMEN. Uniform orange-gold color with thin borders of black and gold. There is light discoloration/staining, small chip within the border at lower left. The black exterior of this box is quite rough and granular, especially on the base, which also has a sizeable piece missing on the inside edge. The interior is better preserved with only light to moderate scuffing. All in all, however, this piece presents exceptionally well, especially relative to its age and when further allowance is made for the materials in which it is constructed.
