Find many varieties of an authentic shell snuff box available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of
metal,
bone and
tortoise shell, every shell snuff box was constructed with great care. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer shell snuff box, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. A shell snuff box, designed in the
Georgian,
Regency or
Art Deco style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. Many designers have produced at least one well-made shell snuff box over the years, but those crafted by
Jacques Joseph de Gault,
Edward Cornock and
Gabriella Crespi are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
A shell snuff box can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $1,350, while the lowest priced sells for $125 and the highest can go for as much as $57,214.
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.