Snuff box - Copper, Silverplated

A pair of unusual antique octagonal pocket snuff boxes from the late eighteenth to the early nineteenth century (1780–1820), most likely of West European origin and manufactured in the Netherlands, Germany, or England. In this heyday of tobacco culture, such compact cases formed an indispensable and stylish accessory for men’s fashion. Both boxes are handcrafted from a red-copper core that was originally coated with a silver top layer. After decades of intensive historical use, this outside silvering is largely worn away, revealing the underlying copper in a characterful way. This gives the objects a warm antique patina highly valued by collectors. The interiors, by contrast, have been protected over the centuries and still show the original bright silver finish.

The two pieces subtly differ in craftsmanship, dimensions, and weight. The first box weighs 85 grams and measures 3.8 by 8.1 by 6.4 cm, with the lid and sides adorned with very fine, detailed hand-engraved work of floral laurel- and scroll motifs, combined with clean geometric lines at the corners. The second box weighs 95 grams and measures 3.6 by 7.7 by 5.8 cm. The lid of this specimen is executed in relief via the repoussé technique, whereby the flower pattern is pressed into the mold from the inside, beautifully visible as a negative on the inner side of the lid. Both pieces also feature an original functional drill hole on the rear, just beneath the hinge, which at the time served to attach a safety pin or a lanyard to the clothing. Both boxes are in an authentic, lived-in state with natural signs of aging and oxidation that underscore their historical integrity. This rare set forms a splendid ensemble for collectors of historical small wares and tabacciana.

Dimensions: 3.8 x 8.1 x 6.4 cm and 3.6 x 7.7 x 5.8 cm
Weight: 85 g and 95 g