Cigarette Etui
Vintage 1910s Russian Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Silver
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Brass
People Also Browsed
Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Bronze
Antique Early 1900s Austrian Other Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Silver, Enamel
Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Sterling Silver
Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s British Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Silver, Sterling Silver
20th Century Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Silver Plate
Vintage 1910s Austrian Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Early 20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Tobacco Accessories
Silver, Enamel
Vintage 1970s Italian George IV Decorative Boxes
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Centerpieces
Ormolu
Vintage 1910s British Decorative Boxes
Malachite, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1950s French Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Metal
Vintage 1930s European Decorative Boxes
Silver, Enamel
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Sterling Silver
20th Century Austrian Tobacco Accessories
Silver, Enamel
Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Silver
Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Tobacco Accessories
Sterling Silver
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Boxes
Goatskin, Leather
Early 20th Century Russian Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Gold
Vintage 1930s Danish Art Deco Barware
Silver
Finding the Right boxes for You
From mere trinkets to useful receptacles that serve a distinct purpose, antique boxes as decorative objects have come in many forms over the years. No matter what they’re made of or where they end up in your home, decorative boxes add both style and storage to your space.
The decorative box that is likely most common is the jewelry box. These boxes were originally known as jewel caskets and were in common use in Ancient Egypt, as most Egyptians wore some sort of jewelry. A portable jewelry box, in its original intended use, was integral to keeping your jewelry safe and secure. This accessory has transformed in size, shape and appearance over the years. Initially it was common for a jewelry box to bear intricate ornamentation. Whether they’re mid-century modern works of marble and brass or feature playful Art Deco–style geometric decor, jewelry boxes boast real staying power.
Snuff boxes began to soar in popularity during the 17th century (and were commonplace in European homes by the mid-19th century). The boxes, some hand-painted with landscape scenes, some made from gold, porcelain or stone, contained a small amount of tobacco, which users would sniff, or “snuff,” throughout the day. Some particularly ornamental snuff boxes featured enameled designs or were set with precious gems and were given as gifts or party favors, particularly at the coronation of royalty or other lavish events.
Whether you’re organizing important mail in the foyer or tucking away medications in your bathroom, antique boxes — be they metal tea caddies, sterling-silver decorative boxes or Victorian cigar boxes made of oak (even if you don’t smoke) — are a sophisticated solution to help keep the surfaces in your home clutter-free. And no matter if you’re seeking a decorative box to beautify a desktop or bestow upon a loved one, you are sure to find something you love in the collection of antique and vintage boxes on 1stDibs.
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