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Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes For Sale
Adie Brothers Ltd Antique 1920s Yellow Gold Vesta Case
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George V English 9 karat yellow gold vesta case; an addition to our boxes and cases collection.
This exceptional antique George V English...
Category
1920s English George V Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Gold
19th Century French 18K Gold Royal Presentation Snuff Box, c.1850
By Louis-François Tronquoy 1
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique mid 19th century French 18k gold snuff box, of lobed design with chased scroll and foliate decoration, the hinged cover inset with a circula...
Category
19th Century French Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Gold
20th Century French Import Solid Silver Cigarette Case
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Vintage 20th Century European solid silver cigarette case. The front features a flying bird amidst foliage, while the reverse displays a simple foliage pattern. The design highlights...
Category
20th Century French Other Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Silver
1890s Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Tobacco Box
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver tobacco box; an addition to our smoking related silverware collection.
This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver tobacco box has a plain oval rounded form.
The underside of this box is embellished with a bright cut engraved stemmed rose, floral and foliate design; this indicates the high quality of the piece, as typically the underside would remain unembellished.
The upper portion of this antique silver tobacco box...
Category
1890s English Victorian Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver, Silver
1960s Geometric Jewelry Trinket Geometric Box Mexican Craft Eclectic Woodworker
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Vintage hinged lidded hexagonal box by Don Shoemaker, Senal.
Category
1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Cocobolo
Snuff Box Parrotlets on Flowering Branches. Art Nouveau Style Sterling Silver En
Located in Firenze, FI
Square snuff box with rounded sides in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè and hand painted miniature parrotlets on flowering branches. Ar...
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
19th Century French Porcelain and Brass Trinket Box with Flower Decorations
Located in Marbella, ES
19th century French porcelain and brass trinket box with flower decorations.
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
Victorian Thomas Johnson II Sterling Silver Tortoise Vesta Box
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, rare antique Victorian English sterling silver vesta box modelled in the form of a tortoise; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection.
This exceptional antique Victorian cast sterling silver vesta box has been realistically modelled in the form of a tortoise.
The plain oval body of this Victorian vesta box is embellished with cast and applied components replicating the details of the tortoise's legs and head.
The anterior surface of this rare box features an applied oval serrated panel / match striker.
The hinged tortoiseshell cover opens to reveal the original gilt interior.
The underside of the body bears the contemporary engraved inscription 'July 1883'.
Condition
This antique Victorian vesta box is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition. There are some blemishes and wear to the original gilding, in keeping with age. Full hallmarks struck to the underside of the body are very clear.
Dimensions
length 8.4cm/3.3"
width 5.5cm/2.2"
height 3.2cm/1.3"
Weight
2.4 troy ounces/73.9g (including tortoiseshell cover)
Maker: Thomas Johnson II
Date: 1882
Origin: London, England
Video: A video of this fine piece is available upon request.
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this antique vesta box...
Category
1880s British Victorian Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
19th Century French Papier Mâché Trinket Box with Hand Painted Love Vignette
Located in Marbella, ES
19th century French papier mâché trinket box with hand painted romantic vignette.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Paper
19th Century French Treen Pot with Lid
Located in Vosselaar, BE
This elm pot was probably used to store Tabaco. It is finely turned and has an attractive patina.
Category
Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Elm
Snuff Box White Fire Enamel with Miniature of Bird Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Round snuff box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fire enamel on guilloche and hand-painted miniature of stylized blue bird, late 19th-century Viennese Art Nou...
Category
1970s Italian Art Deco Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Antique German Silver and Erotica Enamel Cigarette Case
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique German 800 standard silver and erotica enamel cigarette case; an addition to our diverse range of continental silverware
This exceptional antique German 800 standard silver cigarette case has a plain rectangular form with rounded corners.
The anterior cover is embellished with an impressive enamel panel depicting a nude woman with long curling brown hair, grasping a stemmed rose and lounging against a sheer flowing fabric wrap.
The posterior cover and rounded sides of this cigarette case are plain and unembellished.
This case is fitted with a plain rounded thumbpiece and push fit catch, which when released reveals two hinged compartments.
This impressive example of antique silverware retains the original gilt interior.
The hallmarks struck to the interior of this antique German silver cigarette case include:
Maker's mark: LR (untraced)
National mark/reichsmark: Crescent moon and crown (Halbmond und Krone)
Silver quality/purity mark: 800 (800/1000)
Antique cigarette cases such as this are highly desirable.
Condition
This antique German silver cigarette case is an exceptional gauge of silver for its type, exceptional quality and in exceptional presentation condition in keeping with age.
The enamel is in perfect condition.
There are some signs of wear and discolouration to the orignal gilding, as to be expected in keeping with age and use.
The hallmarks struck to the interior of theis German cigarette case...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Silver, Enamel
A GILT-METAL MOUNTED SNUFF BOX Circa 1750, probably Mennecy
Located in Spencertown, NY
A GILT-METAL MOUNTED SNUFF BOX
Circa 1750, probably Saint-Cloud
Modelled as a reclining monk, one hand supporting his bald head, the other holding a rosary and with a crutch at his s...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Rococo Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Metal
Black Enamaled Cylinder Table Lighter, circa 1930
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Art Deco era enameled band steel cylinder Lighter named "The Executive" By AR.
Circa 1930, 3.5" tall X 2" diameter.
Category
1930s Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Steel
Mid Century Brass Pop-Up Cigarette Nautical Lighthouse Dispense w/ Ship Helm
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This antique brass mechanical pop-up cigarette holder is a charming and functional collectible designed as a lighthouse. It features a delightful ship's helm, adding a nautical touch...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Brass
18th Century Snuff Box With Secret Erotic Motive
Located in Copenhagen, K
Very funny little snuff box with a text about Etimologie; the true learning or real learning, on the lids outside and a hidden erotic motive on the inside of the lid.
Category
Late 18th Century French Empire Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Wood, Paper
Antique Large Rectangular Japanese Silver Cigar Box Decorated with Dragons
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique Japanese silver cigar box
Made in Japan, early 20th century, Circa 1900.
Maker (Unidentified)
Fully hallmarked.
Please note: Interior has been professionally restored.
Dim...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Silver
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Acanthus Match Box Holder 68C
By Johan Rohde
Located in Hellerup, DK
A Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Match Box Holder in the Acanthus pattern, design #68c by Johan Rohde from 1917.
Additional information:
Material: S...
Category
20th Century Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
20thC American Silver Plated Trompe I'oeil Cigarette Box, Tiffany & Co c.1910
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 20th Century American made Tiffany & Co Trompe l'oeil cigarette box, with wood grain detailing on all sides and a two-tone brass and silver plated finish. The word 'cigarette...
Category
20th Century American Other Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
18th Century South Staffordshire Snuff Box Top / Lid
Located in Basildon, GB
An 18th Century South Staffordshire Snuff Box Top / Lid, decorated with a Lady and Gentleman with a flute in parkland, gilt scroll border, the unde...
Category
18th Century English Rococo Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Enamel
Tobacco Box from the 1970s Italian Design Solid Brass
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Tobacco box from the 1970s, Italian design. Measures: Height 7 cm, diameter 15 cm in golden brass.
Category
1970s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Brass
Amsterdam School Copper Tobacco Box with Carnelian Accent, Early 20th Century
By Cris Agterberg
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
This copper tobacco box, crafted in the style of the Amsterdam School, is a distinctive example of functional art from the early 20th century. The hammered copper finish, now enhance...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Carnelian, Copper
18th Century Bilston Enamel Patch / Snuff Box - Double Hinged
Located in Basildon, GB
18th Century Bilston Enamel Patch / Snuff Box - Hinged on both base and lid, the base is decorated with gentlemen walking outside a church, while the lid has an embossed female port...
Category
18th Century English George III Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Mid-Late 18th Century English Cast Brass Tobacco Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Mid-late 18th century cast brass tobacco box, English. Eight sides with conforming cover with bell metal finial.
5 1/8" x 3 5/16" x 4.5" h.
Whitehall Antiques is a family business t...
Category
Mid-18th Century English Georgian Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Brass
Antique Sterling Silver Double Snuff & Patch Box with Engine Turned Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique double compartment snuff box is hallmarked by an unknown maker, and originated from England, dating to approximately 1900 and done in a period Edwardian style. The box i...
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Multicolor Horn Oval Snuff Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Oval Snuff Box, c. 1860, of multicolored horn. Fine condition. 3" l., 2 1/8" d., 3/4" h. This item includes restricted materials and cannot be sold outside of the contiguous United S...
Category
Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Horn
William & Mary Snuff Box Made in London, circa 1690
Located in London, GB
A Very Rare William & Mary Snuff Box Made in London circa 1690. Maker's Mark of Ah With a Crown Above and a Cinquefoil Below.
The Snuff Box is of escutcheon form with plain sides an...
Category
17th Century English William and Mary Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
Early 19th Century Gold and Enamel Box, Swiss Work
Located in Paris, FR
Rectangular box with three tones of gold and royal blue enamel. The hinged lid is embellished with a multicolored gold medallion in relief featuring a bouquet of roses and tulips, se...
Category
Early 19th Century Swiss Empire Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Gold
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Combination Sovereign or Vesta Case
By Thomas Hayes
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver combination sovereign or vesta case, an addition to our diverse box and case collection.
This exceptional antique Victorian English sterling silver combination vesta or sovereign case has a subtly domed rectangular, rounded form.
The anterior and posterior surfaces of this silver case are plain and unembellished.
This antique Victorian sterling silver sovereign case is fitted with a hinged hallmarked push fit cover allowing access to the hallmarked sprung sovereign holders...
Category
Early 1900s British Victorian Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver, Silver
Vase in shape 3988, by Keith Murray for Wedgwood, circa 1935
By Wedgwood, Keith Murray
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
One of the rarer shapes from the Keith Murray range, this vase will appeal to the collector and decorator alike.
Keith Murray, a renowned figure in the Art Deco movement, made signi...
Category
1930s English Art Deco Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Stoneware
Antique Asian Chinese Opium Box Cloisonné Enamel, Tobacco Snuff Box Floral Motif
Located in Leuven , BE
Old Chinese Opium Box in Cloisonné Enamel, decorated with Vases and Flowers.
French Private Collection
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Metal
Chinese Copper Coin Opium Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite 19th century canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box is formed of antique coins and copper and pro...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Copper
Silver Shibayama Cigarette Case
Located in London, GB
A fabulous and rare silver Shibayama cigarette case, exquisitely decorated with 19 individual hand crafted insects in semi precious stones. This superb piece bares silver hallmark...
Category
1910s Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Silver
Chinese Bronze Opium Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite bronze canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box dates to the early 20th century and provided an air...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Bronze
Hollywood regency lucite tuxedo set, Guzzini Italy 1970
By Guzzini
Located in Firenze, IT
Smoking Set, table lighter and 2 boxes
Guzzini, Italy 1970
Lucite, aluminum
Box / ashtray: H 7 cm - 11 × 11 cm
Table Lighter: H 13 cm - 5.5 × 8 cm
Cigars box: H 7 cm - 23 × 10 c...
Category
1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Metal
Antique Sterling Silver and Enamel Vesta Case
By Steinhart & Co.
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Edwardian sterling silver and enamel vesta case; an addition to our enamal and silverware collection
This exceptional and rare antique Edwardian sterling silver vesta case has a plain rectangular rounded form.
The anterior surface is embellished with four desirable and impressive hot enamel panels depicting: a luxurious early-twentieth century car, three playing cards, a champagne bottle and a female portrait.
The posterior surface of this antique vesta case is plain and unembellished.
This unusual silver and enamel vesta case has a hinged hallmarked cover which incorporates a plain thumbpiece to the anterior edge and bears a ring loop attachment to the hinge.
The underside of the case incorporates an integrated serrated panel/match striker.
Condition
This antique silver vesta...
Category
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Silver Oval Box, 19th Century, with Hallmarks
Located in Madrid, ES
Oval box. Silver, 19th centu.
With contrast marks.
Oval box with flat lid made of silver, partially gilded, decorated on the outside with figurative scenes ...
Category
19th Century European Neoclassical Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Silver
Hollywood Regency Brass Box with Faux Ivory Tusk or Horn
Located in Houston, TX
Hollywood Regency brass box with faux ivory tusk or Horn.
Handsome Hollywood Regency brass box with faux ivory tusk or Horn. Our stunning Karl Springer ...
Category
1960s Indian Hollywood Regency Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Brass
Qing Dynasty - 13 Antique Chinese Porcelain Enameled Salt Boxes
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), 19th century.
A grouping or instant collection of antique porcelain enameled salt boxes. Each box is decorated with immortal being riding the fabl...
Category
19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
Fine Antique English South Staffordshire or Battersea Enamel Snuff Box
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An excellent quality late 18th or early 19th century Battersea enamel snuff or patch box. The pink enamel background with white enamel lattice and a raised gold around the hand paint...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
18th Century South Staffordshire Snuff Box
Located in Basildon, GB
An 18th Century South Staffordshire Snuff Box, painted with figures and a boat by a classical colonnade . 3.25" wide x 2.5" depth x 1.5" high
Category
18th Century English Rococo Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Light bronze box - Swedish, Art Deco
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful Art-deco light bronze cigarette/decorative lidded box.
Stamped: ''Swedish light bronze''
Contact us for any questions!
Category
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Bronze
Antique 19th Century German Three-Colour 18K Gold Snuff Box, Hanau c.1820
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique early 19th Century German three-coloured 18k gold snuff box, of rectangular shape with elegantly rounded corners, featuring a lid that is intricately adorned with a chased fl...
Category
19th Century German Other Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Gold
Antique Silver Enameled Ring Container Box from Kabylie, Algeria
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Berber Kabyle box container to hold rings and pins small jewelry or khol.
Made of silver wash with filigree enamel in pagoda shape.
Enamel and rhinestone made of silver tone ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Algerian Moorish Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Metal
19th Century Japanese Inro with 5 Lacquered Wood Compartments
Located in Marseille, FR
19th Century Japanese inro with 5 lacquered wooden compartments, 93 x 50 x 30 mm in size. Weight 59.2 g.
Additional information:
Material: Lacquered ...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Wood
Mid-19th Century Burl Walnut English Round Snuff Box
Located in Stamford, CT
English round burl walnut snuff box with beautiful grain possibly Yew wood. This is a nice looking snuff box that would be great for any collector.
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Walnut, Burl
English Georgian Regency Sheep & Shepherd Snuffbox, 1812
Located in New York, NY
English Georgian gilt sterling silver snuffbox, 1812. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged and tabbed; on top, chased pastoral scene: A shepherd sits under a tree with a lam...
Category
1810s British Georgian Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
1950s Hermès Smoking Set
By Hermès
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Classic vintage Hermès cigarette box.
Cigarette box is heavy and wrapped in leather. Cornucopia (Horn of Plenty) decorative lid. Removable metal ...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Metal
18th Century Dutch Tobacco Box Engraved Brass Snuff Box Brass with Figures
Located in Milano, MI
18th century Dutch brass tobacco box with hinged lid engraved with five circular medallions containing the busts of male noblemen figures with inscriptions and dates, the most recent...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Romantic Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Other, Brass
French Faux Tortoise Shell Cigarette Snuff Tobacco Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in Paris, a charming faux tortoiseshell box marked cigarettes on the lid. A very versatile piece that could stand alone on a cooffe or side table as well as hold treasures s...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Metal
Piero Fornasetti, Posacenere, prod. Fornasetti Milano anni '60
Located in Rivoli, IT
Raro posacenere alto in metallo serigrafato disegnato da Piero Fornasetti e prodotto da Fornasetti Milano negli anni '60
Ottime condizioni di conservazione
Fornasetti nasce nella fi...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Metal, Brass
Victorian sterling silver snuff box made in Birmingham in 1843
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1843 by Francis Clark, this attractive, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Snuff Box, features an ornate border, engine turned decoration and a gilt inter...
Category
1840s English Victorian Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Silver and Shibayama tobacco box with combination vesta case lid
Located in London, GB
A very fine and rare silver shibayama tobacco and combination vesta case lid and strikers on pot. Decorated with individual hand crafted insects in semi precious stones. The Shiba...
Category
1910s English Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Silver
Silver Cigarette Case of Taj Mahal
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Silver cigarette case of Taj Mahal.
Category
20th Century Indian Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Silver
Micromosaic Snuff Box
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptional micromosaic snuff box represents the heights of this ancient art form. Depicting four doves sitting atop a bronze dish, the inse...
Category
19th Century Neoclassical Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Bronze
Gucci Vintage Tobacco Container Glass Box 1960s
By Gucci
Located in Munich, DE
Gucci Vintage tobacco container or candy box made in glass and stitched leather and the typical green red fabric stripes and made by Gucci in the 1960s...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Glass
1927 Shargreen Cigarette Box Given to Jockey Bernard Brownie Carslake Shark Skin
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning and very rare circa 1900 Shargreen cigarette box present to the Jockey Bernard Brownie Carlsake in 1927
A very rare good looking a...
Category
1920s English Art Deco Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Shagreen
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Mussel Vesta Case
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver Vesta case in the form of a mussel; an addition to our diverse smoking related silverware collection.
This exceptional antique sterling silver Vesta case...
Category
1860s Victorian Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Snuffboxes for Sale on 1stDibs
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.