This is a Victorian Snuff Box, made of a Silver Plate mounted Mussel shell & with a makers mark of 'FD', & dating to around 1880.

The box consists of one half of a Mussel shell within a silver plated mount; the mount having a scalloped edge, a fluted & gadrooned border, & a plain, hinged base.

The natural shell is unpolished, & has a lovely deep Purple, Black, & Cream colouring.

The silver plate base, which acts as the lid, is hinged at the 'pointed' end, & lifts open via a small scalloped 'thumb-lift' to reveal the interior compartment.

The interior of the lid, which has a deep lip around it's edge, is stamped with the makers mark of 'F' & 'D' (both in a shield shaped cartouche), & 'EP' & 'NS' (both in an oval cartouche, & for electroplated nickel silver).

Condition is Good. The shell has a few, very old fractures at the pointed end, although it is still strong, intact, & has absolutely no movement. The mount is fine, with no damage, & a good hinge & closure.

The box measures, at widest points, approx 2 1/2" x 1 1/4" (approx 6.2cm x 3.1cm).

Overall, a nice Victorian novelty snuff box, probably Scottish in origin, & unusual to find with a makers mark.