Extremely Rare if not unique Dr Franz Gall Phrenology Snuff Box with it’s correct Pre-mould

Dr Franz Gall Phrenology Snuff Box.

Rare and Exceptional example of Docteur Gall Phrenology Anatomical Snuff Box remarkably with it’s original mould (made from Oxblood, sawdust, a type of bitumen and other ingredients)  This pre-mould was hand carved and finished to iron out any imperfections before using the ‘lost wax’ process to cast the metal ‘form’ for steaming the pressed lid.  The photograph shows identical faults on the box and mould marked in the photo in red. It is extremely rare and possibly unique to have these two together. Possibly unique to have the Pre-mould with the snuff box. A collectors dream.

Stream Pressed then hand finished as these box’s were made from Burr Walnut with a Tortoiseshell or Coloured Horn lining. There were various slightly different variations, all with 3 raised skulls on top. The moulded edge example as in this one is the rarest type.

Circa 1820.

Franz Josef Gall (German: [gal]; 9 March 1758 – 22 August 1828) was a German neuroanatomist, physiologist, and pioneer in the study of the localization of mental functions in the brain. Franz Joseph Gall Born 9 March 1758 Tiefenbronn, Baden Died 22 August 1828 (aged 70) Paris, France Nationality Germany Scientific career Fields Neuroanatomist Physiologist Influenced Cesare Lombroso Alexandre Lacassagne Johann Gaspar Spurzheim Claimed as the founder of the pseudoscience of phrenology, Gall was an early and important researcher in his fields. His contributions to the field of neuropsychology were controversial at the time and are now widely referred to as pseudoscience. However, Gall’s study of phrenology helped establish psychology, contributed to the emergence of the naturalistic approach to the study of man, and played an important part in the development of evolutionist theories, anthropology, and sociology.
 

Price

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Condition report