I'm not quite sure what to see about the decoration on this antique shoe-shaped snuff box; it's a bit of a mystery to me. One often sees piqué work on pieces like this --decorative work made by inlaying tiny points or pins of silver, gold or other metal--but here the metal bits are irregular and not sanded down, making for a rough, snagg-y surface, and there are also a fair number of unfilled holes. Maybe it was never finished, or maybe suspended in a state awaiting restoration? Whatever the case, I kind of like its strangeness, especially the almost cleat-like bottom--a bit medieval feeling, or like a porcupine protecting the stash hidden inside the slide top box!

3 3/4" long x 1 3/4" tall. The surface of the wood shows age and wear, especially on one side--as documented. Mid-19th century or so I'd think.