Rectangular tortoiseshell box, inset with an onyx cameo of a bust of Apollo, in right profile. He wears a cloak draped around his shoulders and fastened on his right shoulder with a circular brooch. His long curled hair is secured by a fillet and topknot., with gold frame. Gold thumbpiece and prominent gold hinge.

The cameo is curiously signed to the left of the back of Apollo’s head: K T A I AMASTINΠ. in a mixture of Greek and Latin letters. It is almost certainly the work of the Roman gem-cutter Angelo Antonio Amastini (1754 - after 1815) and the signature should be read as A A AMASTINI. Amastini is known to have signed his work in a number of ways and it appears that in this case he used pseudo-Greek lettering for an antique effect.

The reputed provenance of this snuffbox, as set down by Queen Mary, indicates that it was formerly in the collection of George IV and given by him to his favourite, Elizabeth, Marchioness Conyngham (?1766-1861). It was subsequently presented to Queen Mary by Sir Guy Laking, Keeper of the King's Armoury at Windsor.

Struck on the inner hinge with obscured maker’s mark, third standard mark and excise mark for gold, Paris, 1819-38, and an unidentified mark.

Text adapted from Ancient and Modern Gems and Jewels in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen, London, 2008