Shoe-Shaped Antique Wooden Snuff Box with Puzzle Lid Mexican vase perhaps it held his preparatory

perhaps it held his preparatory notes and research for it

I could not resist bringing this piece into my care

I love the directness and simplicity of the black face

Good antique condition with a few stains and a little darkening around the edges

which are quite different from one other

Shoe-Shaped Antique Wooden Snuff Box with Puzzle Lid Mexican vase perhaps it held his preparatoryI've got a soft spot for antique shoe shaped snuff boxes, of which there are an incredible variety, and also for boxes with puzzle type lids so of course I really love this one which is both! Mid to late 19th century I am pretty sure, and, based on the form and lack of decoration, as well as because I purchased it from a dealer in Dusseldorf, I do believe German. I'm not good at identifying woods but think maybe this is mahogany (?); really beautiful