Lot 602: A late George III snuff box By Mitchell & Russell, Glasgow 1819

By Mitchell & Russell, Glasgow 1819
Of rectangular form, engraved with stylised flowerheads in a trellis design, the sides with guilloche border, the hinged cover engraved 'J.Milroy To Jas. Steer', length 6cm.

The Glasgow Assay Office was opened in 1819. Prior to this local silversmiths were required to send their silver to Edinburgh for testing following the re-introduction of plate duty in 1784. It is interesting to note that this piece was assayed within the first year of the office opening.