top of page

LIMITED TIME OFFER! ENDS APR 18th-USE DISCOUNT CODE AT CHECKOUT FOR 15% off!-ODSSPRING25   

Antique probably Edwardian snuff box with pewter cartouche and decoration lovely small laquered snuff box I would think 1920s very collectible small nibble to front reflected in price 71/2 cm wide 4 cm depth 2 cm tall we have 2 snuff boxes may sell together please contact us for pricing etc

Some age related wear

Snuff boxes became popular in the 18th century as snuff-taking became fashionable:

Origins

Snuff boxes first became fashionable in the second half of the 17th century. The habit of snuff-taking may have been started by the English after a French merchant ship carrying snuff was blown up during a battle.

Design

Snuff boxes were small, usually ornamented boxes with tight-fitting lids to prevent the snuff from drying out. They were made from a variety of materials, including silver, ivory, steel, horn, exotic wood, potato pulp, copper, brass, and tortoiseshell. The lids were often decorated with flowers, allegories, or other 18th-century subjects.

Function

Snuff boxes were highly decorated and valuable, and were often given as gifts. Some were small enough to fit in a waistcoat pocket, while others were larger. Some snuff boxes were even worn as jewelry.

Culture

The act of handling the snuff box and offering snuff became a secret code known as the "language of the tabatière".

Decline

Snuff-taking was popular among the aristocracy and monarchy until the mid-19th century. Snuff boxes became collectors' items in the 19th century.

Antique probably Edwardian snuff box with pewter cartouche and decoration

SKU: ODSJ672
£28.00Price
Quantity
Only 1 left in stock
  • 672

You might also like

DELIVERED FROM OUR WAREHOUSE DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR

Shop with peace of mind knowing that:​

  • Secure ways to pay include PayPal, to protect your money and your security

  • We use reliable couriers to deliver on time and safely, with insurance for loss or damage included. Royal Mail, EVRI, Yodel and DPD options

  • Tracking information is always provided once your item has dispatched so you can follow its journey

  • We use sustainable and repurposed packaging and delivery takes 3 to 5 days (UK)

  • We have a reliable, no quibbles, 14 days returns policy, just in case you simply change your mind

  • We are available via email or chat if you need help making the purchase or if you want to make us an offer

Need help with this item?

Fill in the form below with your question about this item and we will respond by email as soon as we can

bottom of page