Brass rectangular snuff box, England, 1820-1830

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).