Rare pair of early‑19th‑century French turned wood snuff boxes celebrating Napoleon, one with a laurel‑crowned imperial portrait, the other a Waterloo memorial to the Imperial Guard. The portrait type is virtually unknown; the Waterloo design is documented by the V&A and has appeared only once at auction (Christie’s, Fingask House, 28 April 1993). Crisp, deeply struck stamping and warm burr maple/birch surfaces give both boxes outstanding display presence. A museum‑level duo with strong crossover appeal for Napoleonic, militaria, and decorative‑arts collectors. Items include: 

1. Circular turned and stamped burr maple or birch. [France], [early 19th century]. 3 1/4 in. H. approx. 3/4 in. 

Featuring a profile bust portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte in the style of a Roman emperor with a crown of laurels surrounded by the legend "Napoleon Premier Emperor des Français" [Napoleon, First Emperor of the French]. 

VERY RARE. No other examples located. 

2. Circular turned and stamped burr maple or birch. [France], circa 1815. Diam. 3 1/4 in. H. approx. 3/4 in. 

Commemorating the bravery of the Imperial Guard at Waterloo. The lid features a cenotaph with the inscription "Aux Brave Morts Le 18 Juin 1815"  [To the brave dead of 18 June 1815]. 

RARE. Only one other example sold at auction (Christie's, Fingask House Sale, 28 April 1993, Lot 961). An example is held at the Victoria & Albert Museum (W.31-1947). 

[Napoleon, Napoleon Bonaparte, Waterloo, Battle of Waterloo, Trafalgar, Battle of Trafalgar, Wellington, Napoleonic Wars, First French Republic, First French Empire, Anglo-French Wars] [Snuff Boxes, Snuff Box, Tobacco Box, Tobacciana]