Rare 1790 French Ivory Gold Hot Air Balloon Snuff Box Montgolfiers

Box is approx. 2 1/2 inches in diameter and 1 inch tall.

Subject matter is so rare and so declarative of the reign of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Everything was over the top!

Box is trimmed in a double gold chain and the portrait has a gold engraved rim. The balloon is decorated with gold as well as the fence, the center crown and the lettering.

The balloon in royal blue and gold, with what looks like their cargo, is flying in the center.

Crowds are waving in the distant below.

There is French lettering which looks to be: Le GBNIE ELEVE LA DOU CRUR?

The Montgolfier brothers were the French Wright Brothers of Ballooning.

This painting looks to be dedicated to their September 19, 1783 first passenger flight. This happened at Versailles with Marie and Louis looking on as well as their French court and another 130,000 invited guests.

The passengers were a sheep, duck and rooster who flew in the basket suspended below the balloon. The flight was approx. 2 miles and landed safely.

Used for snuff or patches, this is a rare and wonderful piece besides having a wonderful Historical Perspective.

Seldom comes onto Marketplace. Another , though not as decorated and without the gold is selling for $4500.

Patina is wonderful . One tiny hair line crack to the box.

I hate to banter about the term museum piece but this would certainly qualify as such.