Octagonal George IV Period Snuff Box Made from Oak Timber Removed from Windsor Castle in 1825 by James Parker

An Octagonal George IV Period Snuff Box Made from Oak Timber Removed from Windsor Castle in 1825 by James Parker. The octagonal shape of the piece may be related to the shape of the particular column from which it was made. This piece also has printed text applied under a circular moulding that reads ‘In me behold an emblem of mortality. After a reign in my native Woods of nearly 200 Years, I was cut down to become the main prop of the PALACE of KINGS, but like them Time’s withering hand came upon me, for after a faithful service of upwards of 500 Years in WINDSOR CASTLE I also was removed in the reign of George IV. to make room for the more young & powerful of my kind. You hold now in your hands part of my remains, in the shape of a BOX, to contain a luxury not known when I was young, & such was the mutilated fate of nearly all my OLD COMPANIONS. 1825. Manufactured by J. Parker, Turner to his Majesty. Eton, near Windsor Bridge’. James Parker is recorded in the royal accounts, now held in The National Archives at Kew, between 1836 and 1840. The discovery of this box shows that Parker, listed on the BIFMO database only as flourishing between the aforementioned years, was clearly active in the 1820s as well. The refurbishment of Windsor Castle was one of the consuming passions of George IV’s starting in 1823 and completed in 1840 with an estimated cost in excess of £1 million. This fine box is a small reminder of the work that took place and the enduring quality of the finest of English timbers.