Late 1700's - early 1800's Snuff/spice container

byThe very little information that I could locate on this beautifully crafted piece led me to believe it was one of two things.... either snuff container or an ornate spice receptacle from when spices were a luxury item owned by the very wealthy only. either way, it's a special piece owned by a person of high society. It predates the days when precious metals were stamped with much indication of the exact metal used to nake such an item. there are no makers marks of any kind, but it's surely made from sterling silver. the top has an intricate hinge to open it, revealing a cavity clearly meant to contain a substance of great importance to the carrier of this unique work of art. the price is somewhat negotiable, but this is the only one I've ever seen. that should tell you something since I've spent most of my life around antiques and inside antique shops. Thank you for taking the time to peruse our listing!!!