Snuff box believed to have belonged to Napoleon on St Helena, estimate £1000-1500 at TW Gaze.
The lid of the early 19th century black lacquered snuff box features chequerboard style line detail with gold coloured central cartouche, opening to reveal a silver plaque to the inner lid THIS BOX BELONGED TO NAPOLEON AND WAS GIVEN BY MADAME BERTRAND TO LIEUT. HAYNE R.A. AT ST HELENA 18TH MAY 1821.
Madame Bertrand was Napoleon’s attendant on St Helena and died on April 20, 1822. Lt. Haynes is recorded to have been on Madame Bertrand’s Visiting List (the snuff box spelling Hayne is presumed to be a spelling error). From a deceased estate, the late owner’s great, great, great uncle was named Philip Ditmas (lieutenant, 66th Regiment) and was on St Helena at the time.
The 5.5 x 3 x 2cm box is estimated at £1000-1500 at the Diss auction.
