German three-colour 18k gold presentation snuff box

Antique 19th Century German (Prussia) three-colour 18k gold presentation snuff box, of traditional rectangular form, the lid, sides and base engine turned within an elaborately chased floral and reeded boarders. Hallmarked 18k (750 standard gold). The lid set with the New Royal Medal of Honor or otherwise known as the General Tribute Medal. "FRIEDRICH WILHELM III - KOENIG VON PREUSSEN" - Head of Friedrich Wilhelm III to the left. At the neck the medal signature IACHTMANN F. Reverse side dipicting: The personification of Felicitas Publica sits on a throne with cornucopia and rudder to the left, on the left a crowned Prussian eagle. According to Bolzenthal (1841) copies of this gold medal were awarded by the king. The honored were artists and scientists, but also high military and civil servants, design by the sculptor Rauch in 1825 and the stamp production began in 1826 usually 33.23mm and 27.65g, 8 ducats (20 ducats, edition only 170 copies) were Minted until 1840. The silver copies were minted in 1837. This particular medal is 40mm across, perhaps making it the more sought after 20 ducats medal.

SIZE: Height: 2cm, Width: 8.5 x 5.5cm, Weight: 119g