French 1750 Antique Double Compartment Pocket Snuff Flask Carved In Coquille Nut

Pocket snuff flask carved from coquille nut.

Amazing small pocket snuff bottle, carved from a large coquille nut. This antique piece was created in the shape of a spinning top with two secret compartments which can be unscrewed to open. Made in the continental Europe and most probably French or Portuguese provenance from the 18th century, circa 1780. Extensively decorated with organic and floral motifs with a beautiful image of a nut on the upper part. 

Curiously due to the shape of this piece, it could be played as a spinning tool on a table. This adds a particular interest for the multiple use with which the carving was conceived.

Weight: 42.60 Grams.

Measurements: Diameter of 40 mm and a height of 89 mm (1.57 x 3.5 Inches).

Hallmarks: No marks, gorgeous deep antique patina.

Coquille Nut

The coquille nut emanates from swampy areas on the eastern side of South America, from a palm known as the “attalea funiefera”. Brazilians call it “Piassabe”. The nuts were introduced into Western Europe in the mid-16th century, and used for small carved objects until the end of the 19th century. Coquille nut is a fruit of a Brazilian palm, closely related to the coconut palm. Its a fruit, of about 3 to 4 in. (7.6–10.2 cm) long, is very hard, of a richly streaked brown, and capable of taking a fine polish; it is used in cabinetwork and for umbrella handles. More important economically is the stiff, wiry, bright chocolate-colored leaf fiber, called piassava or piassaba, obtained from this and similar palms. It is used in making brooms and rope, and is an important export product in Amazonian South America. The nut is also a source of palm oil. Coquille nuts are classified in the division Magnoliophyte, class Liliopsida, order Arecales, family Arecacae (Palmae).

Snuff bottles

Snuff boxes or snuff bottles were used for containing snuff, a mixture of ground tobacco and scented oils, and were very popular in the 18th century when snuff-taking was fashionable. Highly decorated and valuable objects, they became collectors' items in the 19th century

Condition: The overall condition of this piece is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage.. All carved parts are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D060823SEMH/.3215