Came from my Great Grandfather and is going to my son. We all have the same name and initials on the top of the lid, MG. Any ideas on usage, maker, and period made? Would love to have more history before giving to Jr.
First photo are marks at inside bottom, 3rd photo is on the inside of the lid.
I think the object to be a cute snuff box from the era as described above, assayed in Birmingham in 1831, the human head is that of William the IIIrd and means that the excise duty has been paid. .
Thank you both for the fascinating information. I had the wrong country and wrong era.
Great Grandfather was born in 1821 and left England for the gold rush in California in 1852. This makes the gift of the silver box to my son even more special.