Snuff box, metal, silver plated, in form of a book, roller hinged lid along spine opens as first page of book, engraved back panel, inscribed J. Strang, 1876, English, 1860-1876

Snuff boxes were personalised by their owners or given as valued gifts. They come in a large variety of shapes, sizes and materials. This silver plated book shaped box has the owner’s name and the date (1876) 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 A49937).