112. Gold snuff box, by Charles Colin, Hanau, circa 1830

This exquisite gold snuff box is an example of outstanding jewellery art of the second quarter of the 19th century. The product was made in the form of a cartouche by master Charles Colin of the jewellery company «Charles Colins Söhne», one of the leading firms of that time. The surface of the snuff box is covered with elegant engraving and carving on gold, which emphasizes the craftsmanship of the creator and attention to detail. The lid and the back of the product are decorated with the guilloche technique, which gives the surface a special play of light and texture. In the center of the lid there is a cartouche with a floral ornament, surrounded by a scroll frieze, creating a sense of harmony and completeness of the composition. The embossed frame of flowers and foliage complements the decorative design of the snuff box, emphasizing its refined aesthetics. The product has hallmarks: the letters «CCS» in a rhombus, corresponding to the goldsmith Charles Colin, as well as the hallmark «HANAU», indicating the place of manufacture. The snuffbox measures 2.8 x 6.7 x 4.5 cm and weighs 64.9 g.Historical background: The jewellery company Charles Colins Söhne, founded in Hanau, was one of the leading family firms specialising in the production of gold jewellery in the 19th century. The high quality of its products was repeatedly recognised by the royal courts of Europe, which commissioned items for state gifts during diplomatic visits. The southern German city of Hanau was famous in the second half of the 18th century as one of the main centres for the production of small jewellery items (Galanteriewaren), the quality of which was so high that Johann Wolfgang von Goethe noted that it was superior to the quality of items created in Geneva or Paris at that time.