Oval snuff box, England, 1807

Snuff box, oval, curved upwards at both ends, hinged lid hinged three-quarters across top, engraved B. Pettican, 1807, English, 1807

Snuff boxes were personalised by their owners or given as valued gifts. They come in a large variety of shapes, sizes and materials. This oval brass box has the owner’s name and the date (1807) displayed on the lid.

The finely ground tobacco was snorted through the nose or rubbed on the gums. Snuff was popular from the 1700s for its aroma, taste and stimulating nicotine boost. It was also believed to ward off colds, be good for ear, nose and throat problems and stop snoring. (Pictured here with two other snuff boxes A49937 and A49942).