Limoges Snuff Box
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Silver, Enamel
Recent Sales
2010s French Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Porcelain
Late 20th Century French Louis XVI Decorative Boxes
Porcelain
Late 20th Century French Modern Boxes and Cases
Mid-20th Century French Empire Decorative Boxes
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Jewelry Boxes
Enamel, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s French French Provincial Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Porcelain
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Antique 18th Century English Rococo Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
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Antique Early 19th Century Italian Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
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Antique Late 19th Century Rococo Revival Jewelry Boxes
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Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Decorative Boxes
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Antique Early 1800s English George III Tea Caddies
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Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Decorative Boxes
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Antique 1850s French Victorian Jewelry Boxes
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Antique 1760s English Georgian Jewelry Boxes
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Antique Mid-19th Century Decorative Boxes
Opaline Glass
Antique 19th Century Chinoiserie Decorative Boxes
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Antique 19th Century Swiss Other Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
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Antique 19th Century British Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Sterling 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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