An antique 19th century Austrian sterling silver & enamel figural snuff box in the form of a miniature sailing ship. The hinged cover features a single mast rising from a deck, complete with a banner and sail. Such exquisite scrollwork and floral motifs engraved on the deck, mast, bow and banner. A fierce lion rampant is beautifully engraved on the sail. Finished with three finely casted figures of sailors. Surrounded by twisted wires or 'ropes' to simulate the ship's rigging. More elaborate engraving along the edge. The hinged lid opens to reveal an enameled interior with pastoral scenes and castles. The boat form is overall painted in polychrome enamel, showcasing scenes of nudes and cherubs against a pastoral setting. Supporting the boat is a central stem, a solid casted silver figure of a boy or cherub on a plinth. Standing on a dome shaped base enameled with panels of allegorical / mythological scenes. Including Pan or a Satyr tied by two cherubs and a semi-nude goddess Diana. Flanked with mascarons of Green Man or Satyr against a lovely pink ground. Overall a beautiful piece. In good condition for its age with general wear and no signs of repairs. Tarnish to the silver mounts. Some wear to the enamel along the top edge below the silver rim of the boat.
Hallmarks are located on the banner; sail; rim just below the deck; central figurative stem and bottom of the circular base. Marked with an Austro Hungarian control mark letter 'A' for 1866, Vienna. Also bearing maker's marks of letters SG, possibly for Simon Grunwald. Measures 7 3/4" tall.