Summary
Alternative Name(S): Trinket Box, Mourning Locket.
Cowrie shell snuff box with lens at back containing a lock of hair and initials 'RE' or 'KE'. Dated circa 1800, the box was transferred from the National Gallery of Victoria in 1940.
Physical Description
Egg-shaped shell mounted on a silver rim hinged to a silver base. The base is inset with a clear, oval lens covering a lock of hair and gold initials. The lens on the outside of the base is surrounded by an engraved floral pattern. Beneath it, on a light blue fabric background, is an elaborately plaited lock of dark brown hair on which the initials 'RE' or 'KE' have been formed from a thread made from two twisted strands of fine gold wire.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), 27 Mar 1940
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Date Made
circa 1800
Catalogue card refers to 1796. -
Inscriptions
Initials 'RE' or 'KE'. On the inside of the base is the National Gallery of Victoria number '1804/3'.
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
4.7 cm (Length), 3.3 cm (Width), 3 cm (Height)
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Dimensions
47 mm (Length), 34 mm (Width)
Measurement From Conservation.
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Keywords
Gold & Silversmithing, Personal Effects, Sea Shells & Sea Shell Products, Snuff Boxes, Tobacco, Death & Mourning
