A mid-17th century silver tobacco box

A mid-17th century silver tobacco box,

unmarked, possibly by Richard Illingworth, circa 1640-1655,

oval form, the pull-off cover with a portrait of Charles I in armour within a pierced and engraved border with cherubs and emblems of France, Ireland, Scotland and England, and with a motto that translates 'The King Lives. The law guides. The flock prospers', above the head of the King there is a sunburst, which may refer to his execution, length 8.2cm, approx. weight 3.2oz.

Provenance:

A Private Collection.

Alastair Dickenson Ltd.

The Albert Collection.

illustrated in Butler, R., The Albert Collection, Broadway Publishing, 2004, page 8. number 106.