A rare Birmingham enamel `combat` snuff box c.1765, of shaped rectangular form, the top moulded with a cavalier spaniel pinning down a cat while in playful assault with a larger tabby cat, the dog`s collar inscribed `Mr RC`, the rectangular cover decorated with Venus on the back of a dolphin, being attended by Cupid, within a yellow and puce scrolled cartouche, a little good restoration, 8cm. Provenance: the Hon. Mrs Nellie Ionides Collection, Sotheby`s, 27th May 1963, lot 126; the property of a lady, Christie`s, 18th October 1983, lot 88; Nancy J. McLarty, Sotheby`s, 5th June 2001.