A rare mid 19th century lacquered papier-mâché Freemasons' snuff box

A rare mid 19th century lacquered papier-mâché Freemasons' snuff box, of circular form, the lid painted with an eye, ear and padlocked lips alluding to the motto of Freemasonry: Audi, Vide, Tace (Hear, See, Be Silent), 9.8cm diameter.

The motto Audi, Vide and Tace relates to one of the symbols of Masonry that is most understood, secrecy. See W. Kirk MacNulty, Freemasonry, Symbols, Secrets, Significance, p. 257 for a similar silver mounted example that can be found at Freemasons' Hall, 60 Great Queen Street, London.