Antique 18th Century Tortoise Shell Portrait Miniature Snuff Box w Original Leather Presentation Case, Box Toothpick Holder Unusual to have the sealed

Unusual to have the sealed backside fully intact as in this one

I've spoken with some of my Japanese customers about helping me with the signature

no damage or repairs to note otherwise

all wood but the small leaf of black muslin

set in a rich gold or gilded pressed brass framework

Antique 18th Century Tortoise Shell Portrait Miniature Snuff Box w Original Leather Presentation Case, Box Toothpick Holder Unusual to have the sealedDating c. 1750 70, Louis XV to XVI era, when profile portraits were more likely than full frontal. Physiognomy was the term, and sometimes an artist used a projected light shadow to get the profile perfectly accurate, then painted or drew the remainder. This gentleman is a distinguished land owner, possibly avocat (attorney) or an accountant or merchant. Not a Nobleman or royal. The painting is in charcoal, pencil, watercolor or gouache and done on