A c. 1750 Antique Dutch brass Tobacco box - "REGT DOOR ZEE"

An antique Dutch tobacco box from the mid-18th century - made around 1750. The rectangular box with round ends finely engraved with religious images. Depictions of the sea in semicircular cartouches at the far sides of the lid. On the front engraved with  "REGT DOOR ZEE" in old Dutch.

Which would literally translate as "straight through the sea". This is, however, an old Dutch saying best described as being blunt, but honest without beating around the bush. 

In original, unrestored condition. The eight-tooth hinge is slightly bent on one tooth, but the mechanism still works fine.

Top: "Kristus geneest de melaatsen" ("Christ Heals the Lepers")
Bottom: Depiction of Christ, possibly the court of Pilate.