Pug Dog Box

This is a superb patch or snuff box made most likely in the Staffordshire region in England in the early 19th century. The box is shaped like a pug dog's head with nice modeled and handpainted detail to it. There is a gold collar around the base and the metal lid part is made of pewter which was cheaper than silver or gold. The pewter seems to have been painted red at some point as there are tiny red paint fragments left here and there! The pewter was attached the old way by melting it through the porcelain in three spots as shown. The box is in great condition with the red paint almost entirely gone on the pewter and some wear mostly to the gold collar. No chips, etc. Some black firing spots on the inside. The piece is not marked but certainly about 200 years old and most likely from Staffordshire. Someone about 130 years ago has scratched a date into the pewter that seems to say Sept. 16 1874 but that is not the date of manufacturing. The box is 2.375 inches tall, 1.875 inches wide and 2.25 inches deep. Please email me for more information or other pictures.