An early 1800s French pressed snuff box with the words ' Ruines D' Italie'' - Italian ruins.  The lid has really intricare details. This box has a great rich dark colour. It is lined with tortoiseshell and is in very good condition. The box measures 7.5cm w x 1.5cm h.
 
These antique snuff boxes were made by turning a piece of wood from a block, then the decorative lids and bases were made by subjecting the wood to steam to soften them and then whilst the wood was slightly soft metal dies were pressed down on to the lids and bases impressing the wood with ornamental pictures. The blocks would then be cut in half to form lids and bases and hollowed out and lined with tortoiseshell.