Estimate: $400 - $600
Price Realized: $352 Includes buyer's premium
mussel shell with pewter inscribed "C. Button Stoke", turbo shell top and abalone shell bottom with silver, American cowrie shell with tin lined nickel
largest: 3 1/2 x 2 x 1 inches
From the Collection of Marilyn Grossman
in overall good condition, some general wear due to use and age with minor scuffs and scratches, one box is chipped
If you are interested in bidding, please contact us to request more photos, or make an appointment for in-person inspection. To ensure prompt assistance, we recommend reaching out at least 24 hours before the auction by calling 212-353-2277 or emailing us at admin@capsuleauctions.com.
Condition reports are based on visual inspection by the Capsule team under typical office lighting. Unless otherwise noted, items are not examined under UV light in advance of sale. We do not guarantee the content of written or verbal condition reports. Remember, all lots are previously owned and all sales are final. The absence of a condition report does not imply that there are no condition issues with the lot.
Art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated. Frames, lampshades, or items described as “supplementary” are not considered integral to the value of the lot and are excluded from condition assessments. This includes any mat, mounting, glazing, hanging apparatus, case, box, or stand. Timepiece movements, lighting elements and items with mechanical or electrical components have not been thoroughly tested and are not covered under warranty by Capsule.
Marilyn Grossman was a passionate collector and recognized authority on snuff boxes, frequently sought out for interviews by antique publications. Her love for art and culture spanned decades and encompassed various mediums. Thanks to her father, she grew up immersed in music and the arts, developing a deep appreciation for creativity. Her early training as a classical pianist, along with art lessons at the Art Institute of Chicago, laid the foundation for her lifelong artistic journey.
Marilyn's true passion for collecting began in the 1960s with snuff boxes, which became her primary focus. Her collection, recognized as one of the most significant in the United States, grew to include over 800 pieces at its peak, with items sourced around the world from dealers, collectors, and auction houses such as Sotheby’s and Phillips.
Her diverse interests, from art and music to collecting, reflected her curiosity and commitment to exploring the world through creative and cultural expressions. This snuff box collection, built over decades of travel and discovery, remains a testament to her expertise and dedication to the arts.
