Message #46696

[Wattana]

Hi Adrian,

You don't mention the size, but I'd guess it is not large, say around 5 cm tall?

One of the first snuff bottles I ever bought back in 1972 is of similar overall appearance, except that the top/bottom view is rectilinear rather than oval. But mouth, neck and raised foot are almost the same. I think I once posted it on the forum, so will have to locate it, and give you the link.

A well known dealer who saw it in 1978 suggested it was an early bottle from the period 1720-1780. I knew nothing of dating back then, but would now give it a much more conservative range of 1820-1900, and apply the same to yours.

I used to refer to mine as 'tortoise shell agate'. A bit of an affectation perhaps, but it does remind me of that material. This stone was popularly called shadow agate by snuff bottle collectors for many years. I believe the more correct term nowadays would be 'dendritic chalcedony'. 

Either way, you have a delightful bottle! And I like the stopper too!

Tom