Tobacco box (3) - Brass - Can assortment

1. Antique Dutch tobacco box (18th century)
Object type: Antique oval tobacco box / snuffbox with hinged lid.
Material: Brass (with characteristic aging and patina).
Dating: 18th century (approximately 1740–1780), origin very likely the Netherlands.
Physical features
Form: Classic elongated-oval shape with rounded ends.
Dimensions: 140 mm x 70 mm x 28 mm.
Weight: 192.6 grams.
Condition: Age-appropriate, excellently preserved original condition with fine, authentic surface patina. The inner side shows the typical dark oxidation marks of the centuries. The three-piece rolling hinge is intact and fully functional.
Iconography and engraving
The box is richly engraved on both exterior sides (lid and base) in the naïve, folk Baroque style and bears Dutch text bands. It is a classic love/engagement gift from that era.
Front side (lid):
Motif: Depiction of a couple in the fashionable attire of the 18th century (man with era-appropriate coat and tricorn hat). They are reaching hands to each other against a rural background (fences, stylized trees).
Inscription: "Huysen Man en Vrou" (translated roughly: “Household of man and wife”).
Back side (base):
Motif: A courtship or engagement scene. The man in the attire solemnly presents a ring to the lady before a building with a gate arch.
Inscription: "Dit Ringli geff ich dir op trou" (translated: “I give you this little ring in trust / as a pledge of fidelity”).
Exposé:
Rare, museological brass tobacco box from the Netherlands of the 18th century. A beautiful testament to historical everyday culture and folk art. Engraved brass boxes of this kind were often made for weddings or engagements. The fine engravings tell the story of fidelity and partnership (“Dit Ringli geff ich dir op trou”). An excellent collectible in untouched original condition with charming historical aura.

2. Museum-grade antique brass tobacco box – Holland/Iserlohn, 18th century – Top collector condition

Short description
Up for auction is an extraordinary historical tobacco box (tabatiere) from the 18th century, made of solid brass. This rare collectible captivates with its fully preserved, detailed and fine chasing on all visible sides, depicting typical biblical, allegorical, and rural scenes of the era.

Detailed description & iconography
• Lid: The top of the hinged lid shows a finely wrought figurative scene in the period Baroque/Rococo style. Figures in historical costume outdoors, flanked by trees and a shining sun, suggesting an allegorical or biblical narrative (likely Old Testament).
• Base: The underside features a splendid depiction of a baroque garden or park scene. In the center is a detailed fountain, surrounded by two putti or angel figures under a radiant sun.
• Walls (sides): The longitudinal sides continue the detailed narrative. The front shows a fine rural scene with riders, horses, a windmill, and figures in 18th-century dress. The hinge side on the back shows a maritime river landscape with boats.
• Interior: The inside is fitted with a dark green felt/satin lining.

Technical data
• Object: Long oval tobacco box / snuff box (tabatière)
• Age/Epoch: 18th century (c. 1750–1780), Baroque / Rococo
• Origin: Very likely Netherlands (Holland) or Northwest Germany (Isarlohn region)
• Material: Brass, chased, engraved and chiselled
• Dimensions: approx. 16.0 x 5.0 x 3.0 cm (Length x Width x Height)
• Weight: approx. 183.2 g

Condition
• Age-appropriate, excellent original condition with a beautiful, authentic patina.
• The fine engravings remain remarkably sharp, clearly legible, and have not been flatted by polishing.
• The original hinge works perfectly and the lid closes flush.
• No major damage, cracks, or contemporary repairs – a thoroughly honest piece for discerning collectors of historic tobacco-related items.

3. Antique Art Nouveau tobacco box made of brass
For sale is a charming, antique tobacco box made of solid brass featuring an intricate engraving on the lid and on the side walls. The box impresses with its authentic, period design and a beautiful, untouched patina of age.
The lid bears a curved, old German engraving with a historical proverb about tobacco consumption:
"Toback wird bey jung u. alten ferner hin den Preisz behallten weil er frohe Geister macht."
On the bottom, the item is also stamped with the inscription "REINE HANDARBEIT" (pure handwork), underscoring the artisanal character and quality of this collectible.

Details & dimensions:
Material: Solid brass (inside left as original, untreated)
Style / Epoch: Historicism / Art Nouveau
Dimensions: 96 x 80 x 30 mm
Weight: 220 g
Decoration: Florals and flowing engravings on lid and body, inscribed motto

Condition:
The box is in good, age-appropriate original condition with an authentic patina. The hinge works perfectly and the lid closes flush. The interior shows typical signs of use and discoloration of a genuine everyday object from days gone by (see photos).
An ideal piece for collectors of tabatières, historic boxes, or lovers of nostalgic decorative objects.