Brass rectangular snuff box, England, 1820-1830

Snuff box, brass, rectangular, curved upwards at both ends Brass rectangular snuff box, England, 1820-1830

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Snuff box, brass, rectangular, curved upwards at both ends
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Snuff box, brass, rectangular, curved upwards at both ends, toothed hinge (seized up) ivory thumb piece, engraved Andw. Sutherland, English, 1820-1890

Snuff boxes were often personalised by their owners or given as valued gifts. They come in a large variety of shapes, sizes and materials. This rectangular brass box has the owner’s name engraved 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 (A49936 and A49942).

Details

Category:
Smoking
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A49937
Materials:
brass
Measurements:
overall: 23 mm x 71 mm x 50 mm, .16kg
type:
snuff box
credit:
Christie