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Finding the Right Snuff-boxes for You
Today antique snuffboxes and tobacco boxes — as well as a lot of other vintage tobacco accessories — are collectibles and charming pieces of decor for any display case or to elevate your bookshelves.
Snuff, made of ground tobacco, was especially popular with Europeans in the 1600s. The ornate boxes to keep the powder dry became highly decorative by the 18th century. It was considered a must-have item, particularly for nobility.
The most important feature of a snuffbox was that it was airtight. The box protected the snuff from oxygen. Another crucial component was the flat lid.
Snuffboxes could be small enough to fit into a pocket or a larger container for communal use at the table. They also came in different shapes. Porcelain containers were prevalent and often designed to look like trunks. Others were oval or square. Boxes made with cowrie shells were rare and more expensive.
Snuffboxes were usually crafted from silver, gold, horn or tortoiseshell. Some of the most prestigious snuffboxes were French tabatières made of gold and sometimes glass. They could be adorned with amethysts, sapphires and diamonds and enameled, engraved or chased.
Sheffield, England, was known for its silver snuffboxes in the late 18th century as its silver-plating technologies perfected these containers. By the early 19th century, the silver industry in Birmingham, England, was producing elegant snuffboxes with images of abbeys and castles on the sides and top.
Another type of tobacco box was the snuff mull or mill. It was made out of horn or an entire ram’s head and topped with a metal lid, frequently featuring engravings and decorative hinges. These were fashionable in Scotland during the 19th century. The origin of its name is unclear.
On 1stDibs, find a plentiful range of antique snuffboxes and tobacco boxes to complement any home decor or furniture style. You can browse the collection by style, which includes Victorian, Georgian and Art Deco, or by material to find pieces in silver and gold.
- When were snuff boxes invented?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Snuff 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 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Tiffany & Co. can sometimes be authenticated through the packaging alone. A real Tiffany and Co. box will feature the right shade of the signature robin’s egg blue and be crafted with the utmost care. Browse a selection of Tiffany and Co. pieces on authorized sellers, such as 1stDibs.
- Do Tiffany rings come in a box?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, all Tiffany & Co. rings come in their signature robin’s egg blue box. Some styles will also come with a small velvet pouch for storage and jewelry protection. Shop a collection of Tiffany & Co. jewelry, including rings, on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, Tiffany & Co. do not sell their famous blue boxes separately. You do, however, receive a blue box with the purchase of jewelry and goods from Tiffany & Co. Shop a collection of TIffany & Co. jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023Yes, Tiffany & Co. engagement rings come in a blue box. Called Tiffany Blue, the color of the box is a trademark of Tiffany & Co. It debuted in 1886, when the luxury jewelry maker first began packaging its signature diamond engagement ring in the now iconic blue boxes. Explore an assortment of Tiffany & Co. engagement rings on 1stDibs.
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