When were snuff boxes invented?

Snuff boxes first appeared in England during the 17th century and became widespread in the 18th century. Snuff boxes range from simple designs to elaborately decorations. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique snuff boxes from some of the world’s top sellers.

What is a snuff box used for?

A snuff box is a small, decorated box used to store snuff ( scented, powdered tobacco). Snuff boxes come in two sizes: small pocket boxes and larger communal boxes for use at the table. Pocket boxes are often designed to retain a little amount of snuff for immediate use and are designed to hold a day or two's worth of snuff. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage snuff boxes.

Rat Snuff Box

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19th Century Bark "Rat's Tail" Snuffbox

Located in Paris, FR

winter times, ladies used to make these types of finely carved snuff boxes using a metal pastry cutting

Antique 19th Century French Folk Art Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Wood

19th Century Bark "Rat's Tail" Snuffbox

H 3.35 in W 1.19 in D 2.76 in

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Finding the Right tobacco-accessories for You

Antique, new and vintage tobacco accessories are not typically works of art, but, even if you’ve kicked the habit, an ornate mid-century modern ashtray, bronze cigar cutter or Art Deco cigarette case — collector’s items, all — will prove to be a unique accent piece for your bar cart, coffee table or mantel.

Cigar connoisseurs know the value of a good cigar box or humidor. Humidors safely store cigars at the right temperature so they don’t retain moisture and deteriorate in quality. Depending on the size and type of cigar, a cigar cutter is also an important accessory for the consummate cigar smoker. There are guillotine cutters, cigar scissors, V-cutters and punch cutters. These tools are useful, but, as part of a 19th-century upgrade for your contemporary desk, antique tobacco accessories are also a fun way to integrate personal expression into your workday. A sleek vintage cigarette case or lighter can introduce some pizzazz to the shelves of your home library or any other surface where you display your collectibles.

While ashtrays might not immediately strike you as interesting and provocative objects that deserve to be part of your decor, these accessories have taken on all manner of forms and styles over the years. Old glass ashtrays, which are quite popular and easily found in free-form, organic shapes, can be a purely decorative final touch when styling a coffee table. Visionary designers such as Isamu Noguchi — one of the most prolific and protean creative forces of the 20th century — popularized the idea of tobacco accessories as art with projects such as his decorative ashtrays.

Discover an extensive collection of antique, new and vintage tobacco accessories for your home today on 1stDibs.

Questions About Rat Snuff Box

When were snuff boxes invented?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Snuff boxes first appeared in England during the 17th century and became widespread in the 18th century. Snuff boxes range from simple designs to elaborately decorations. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique snuff boxes from some of the world’s top sellers.
What is a snuff box used for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
A snuff box is a small, decorated box used to store snuff ( scented, powdered tobacco). Snuff boxes come in two sizes: small pocket boxes and larger communal boxes for use at the table. Pocket boxes are often designed to retain a little amount of snuff for immediate use and are designed to hold a day or two's worth of snuff. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage snuff boxes.