Holt Antiques at Walsingham Mill
An Early 18th-Century English Antique Pressed Horn Tobacco Snuff Box, Attributed to John Obrisset (Active 1705-1727), Depicting The Arms of Sir Francis Drake
An Early 18th-Century English Antique Pressed Horn Tobacco Snuff Box, Attributed to John Obrisset (Active 1705-1727), Depicting The Arms of Sir Francis Drake
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An early 18th century oval pressed horn snuff box, most probably made by John Obrisset (active 1705-1727), the cover with the Arms of Sir Francis Drake together with a depiction of his ship/galleon, "The Golden Hind," and decorative scrolls.
John (Jean) Obrisset was considered the premier maker of horn and tortoiseshell boxes. He was the son of an ivory carver who emigrated to London from Aubrisset in Dieppe and may have been one of many Huguenots (French Protestants) forced to emigrate to England and elsewhere after 1685 due to renewed persecution in France. Little is known of his life and work overall. He adapted his father's ivory carving techniques to include heating, moulding, and carving both horn and tortoiseshell portraits.
Examples of his work are held in museums and collections globally, including the Metropolitan Museum, New York; Yale University Art Gallery, USA; and the Victoria & Albert Museum, London. An almost identical example of the Charles I portrait snuff box, also attributed to Obrisset, is held in the collection of The Worshipful Company of Horners, City of London, UK.
A museum‑quality object, ideal for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts seeking authentic English antiques with strong provenance.
Provenance: England. Early 18th century.
Condition: Good as per the images. There is age-related surface wear. A further detailed condition report is available upon request.
Size: Length 10 cm (4")
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