★ Exquisite box. ★

Great Britain, Charles I, 1625-1649. Contemporary openwork silver-gilt cylindrical box, c. 1636, 27mm x 30mm with silver engraved gaming counters (31), most from the Simon de Passe (1595-1647) workshop (25), many depicting the sovereigns of England and relatives of James I, each 2.65g to 2.80g, each 24mm to 28mm.

An exceptional and rare period item of fine work, the lid with the bust of Charles I and the base with the bust of Henrietta Maria (the original box for the standing figure series).

Box in very good order with some pitting on lid, the tokens (31) in fine to good very fine condition of which three are pierced, one gilt and two are cracked. Rare.

Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 64, 5-6 June 2013, lot 581 (hammer £3.500), minus 5 counters.