Antique Calcite Snuff Bottle

This calcite snuff bottle has a genuine old patina showing good age and frequent handling. The flattened globular shape bottle has a high neck and short raised oval foot. It has the traditional form of having raised panels, flattened roundels on both sides and concave rounded oblongs along the sides. The roundels are often described as moon shapes. The flattened round serves a purpose as a dish for mixing the snuff, Calcite is a cheaper material and easy to carve, one can say it is a poor man's substitute for jade. Asa result, it is easier to nick and chip as evidence on the edges. The top and foot are flat and it is fitted with a lapis lazuli stopper mounted on brass. The inside is well hollowed.

Date: late 19th century
Dimensions: 2 inches x 1 inch x 2.75 inches high
Condition: some edges are round but in good antique condition