Exceptional Louis XVI Blond Tortoiseshell, 18K Gold Piqué & Sentimental Hairwork Snuff Box, Inscribed "À Camilie," France, c. 1785–1800 artist with easel at some point adjusted slightly

at some point adjusted slightly to band at the clasp area (notice on photos that it is very slightly noticeable on band's outer side where it's been worked to look like the mesh

and figural with tomb of Shakespeare as one aspect of the oval cartouche

And the 3 remaining 18k gold bands are fully intact

The writer's drawer wants to slide snug

beautifully crafted but has been dropped at some point and does have some very long-ago restoration on one end (see images)

Exceptional Louis XVI Blond Tortoiseshell, 18K Gold Piqué & Sentimental Hairwork Snuff Box, Inscribed "À Camilie," France, c. 1785–1800 artist with easel at some point adjusted slightlyFew objects capture the romance and refined artistry of the late eighteenth century as beautifully as this extraordinary French Louis XVI snuff box, exquisitely fashioned of luminous blond tortoiseshell and lavishly ornamented throughout with intricate tri color 18 karat gold piqu work. Measuring a generous 3 inches in diameter, the box is centered by an exceptional sentimental hairwork tableau beneath its original convex glass crystal. Created