A very rare George IV Pedlar Snuff Box, "The Man with the Hambone". Made in London in 1824 by John Linnit.
A very rare George IV Pedlar Snuff Box, "The Man with the Hambone". Made in London in 1824 by John Linnit.
375183
This very rare box is broad rectangular in form with a plain base and sides. Both the edge of the base and cover has a pronounced rim. The cover is very finely chased, in high relief, with the figure of a Pedlar in 18th century dress, peddling roasted ham. He holds the ham bone and carving knife, as well as an ale jug. This is considered one of the rarest of the pedlar boxes, as the wine and spirit pedlar is the one usually seen, also by John Linnit, who made nearly all of the Pedlar Boxes. This example is very well marked on the front and inside in the base and on the underside of the cover. It displays exceptional interior gilding and has a heavy weight. John Linnitt was considered one of the finest box makers working in London at this date and had workshops at 9 Craven Buildings, Drury Lane, when this piece was made.
The figure on this box is inspired by an etching after the 17th century Dutch artist Gerrit Van Honthorst (1592-1656), entitled “The Man with the Hambone”. An example of the etching is held in the Royal Collection, Windsor Castle.
The base is also engraved with the contemporary inscription:
“Presented to John Hunt
Mess Man 4th Regiment Dragoon Guards
As a token of esteem
By the undersigned Tradesmen
For his strict and honest judgements
And unassuming and genteel behaviour
Dundalk 28th February 1833
Wm Harris, R. Godfrey
Jos’h McCann, J Wolsey Esq., A. Gilmour
P Connick Jos’h Eyre”
Length: 3.25 inches, 8.13 cm.
Width: 2 inches, 5 cm.
Height: 0.9 inches, 2.25 cm.
Weight: 6oz.
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, entitled “The Man with the Hambone”. An example of the etching is held in the Royal Collection, Windsor Castle.The base is also engraved with the contemporary inscription:“Presented to John Hunt Mess Man 4th Regiment Dragoon GuardsAs a token of esteemBy the undersigned TradesmenFor his strict and honest judgementsAnd unassuming and genteel behaviour Dundalk 28th February 1833 Wm Harris, R. GodfreyJos’h McCann, J Wolsey Esq., A. GilmourP Connick Jos’h Eyre” Length: 3.25 inches, 8.13 cm.Width: 2 inches, 5 cm.Height: 0.9 inches, 2.25 cm.Weight: 6oz. ){kind=link}