A Jacobite presentation silver and tortoiseshell snuff box
£6,000
Auction: 13 August 2014 at 14:00 BST
Description
the trefoil tortoiseshell box with silver butterfly hinge and applied plaque engraved with the Royal arms of Scotland, the inside cover with applied plaque inscribed' Presented by Prince Charles Edward Stuart in 1746 to Lady Seaforth and by her to Mrs Mackenzie of Muirton', in a fitted dyed fish skin case with silver hinged and clasps
Dimensions
7.5cm wide
Footnote
Provenance
Gifted to Lady Seaforth, Brahan Castle, by descent
Lord Kenneth Mackenzie, Earl of Seaforth
Lord Thomas Mackenzie Humbertone
Lord Francis Mackenzie Humberton
Mary Frederica Elizabeth Mackenzie and James Alexander Stewart Mackenzie M.P
Private collection
Notes:
During the campaigns of 1745 -46 Prince Charles Edward Stuart's movements are well recorded including the routes and stops he and his army made and in many cases where they stayed. Before the decisive battle of Culloden in 1746 it is known the Charles stayed at Culloden House and was based between here and Inverness.
It is also well recorded that during this time in the build up to the battle in April 1746 his focus was on the campaign and the advancing Hanoverian troops. At this time he was only recorded leaving Culloden house to visit is close friend and ally Lady Seaforth at Brahan Castle.
The quality of the box and its likely French or continental manufacture plus this recorded visit to the castle and obvious close relationship with a supporter of such importance makes this a likely gift as a token of respect and gratitude.