Rare Early ‘Cape Silver’ Snuff Box (C. Kohl)

This fabulous quality, scarce, very early Cape silver snuff box with hinged lid, has a rectangular body with rounded corners, and is unusually heavy for its size. It is beautifully handmade and finely decorated with engraved patterns and foliage around the sides, base and lid, and a central cartouche with the letters ‘HMS’. The interior still retains its original gilding and is stamped on the base by the maker ‘C. KOHL’ and monogramed on the inner lid with the letters ‘MFS’. It was made in South Africa, probably around the late 1700’s or early 1800’s by a Cape silversmith ‘C. KOHL’ (Ref. ‘Stephan Welz’ book, No. 59), and other than minor wear to the interior it’s in superb condition. This wonderful piece is a fine example of early Cape silver and measures 7cm x 4cm, stands 1,8cm high and weighs 115,3g.