Cased Toothpick Box, 1797 double duty

A      fabulous late 18th century box with two compartments equal sized      compartments - for used/unused toothpicks. The top is elegantly engraved      with two wreathes and the flush hinge is cleverly engraved to hide the      secret hinge. The condition of the silver box is fabulous and is testament      to the durability of its' leather covered case that has preserved it. The      case now has some wear especially to one end where the red leather      covering is now missing. A nice touch is the small finial at one end of   the box to ease its' removal from the case.

An interesting feature of this box is the twice struck      duty mark that was used by provincial assay offices when duty was doubled      in 1797 during the Napoleonic Wars. Both covers bear the duty mark twice      (four times in all).