Antique 18th Century Tortoise Shell Portrait Miniature Snuff Box w Original Leather Presentation Case, Box Toothpick Holder Raising the triangular gnomon (figural

Raising the triangular gnomon (figural sun dial type portion) upright while pointing the compass needle North will show the time

I had to consider if it might be natural shell

Just as it is

all that color against the Napoleon III era's popular 'ebonized' finished wood makes it feel more like a jewel than a box

all wood but the small leaf of black muslin

Antique 18th Century Tortoise Shell Portrait Miniature Snuff Box w Original Leather Presentation Case, Box Toothpick Holder Raising the triangular gnomon (figuralDating c. 1750 70, Louis XV to XVI era, when profile portraits were more likely than full frontal. Physiognomy was the term, and sometimes an artist used a projected light shadow to get the profile perfectly accurate, then painted or drew the remainder. This gentleman is a distinguished land owner, possibly avocat (attorney) or an accountant or merchant. Not a Nobleman or royal. The painting is in charcoal, pencil, watercolor or gouache and done on