The collectible "box" described by Genevieve Cummins (Antique Boxes Inside and Out), "as the most beguiling of all collectibles," describes perfectly the charm of an antique box and how it provides a wonderful opportunity to interact with history offering: interest, intrigue and mystery.
The exquisite boxes for snuff are regarded as the most diverse charming and collectible of the antique small boxes and it will be this type of box that we will be focused upon in this article.
The "snuff box" came about as a fashionable and functional means to carry snuff, with the peak period for snuff use from late 17th century to the mid-19th century.
The social importance of snuff in its heyday cannot be underestimated; this pulverized and scented tobacco commonly sniffed up the nose was first the vogue of mainland Europe's aristocracy.
Then from the early 18th Century following the seizure of a large quantity of snuff from captured Spanish ships it too became a British vice and phenomenon.
The snuff boxes functionality was important as they needed tight fitting lids that were usually hinged and easy to open, air tight storage which was vital in maintaining the snuffs correct moisture for flavor and to keep it fresh.
However the elegant snuff box was not just a functional way to store snuff correctly, its beauty and craftsmanship was its owner's greatest concern.
It was deemed a personalized reflection of the carrier's tastes and social status as a statement of wealth and prestige.
The social importance of the snuff box and its impact on its carrier's perceived social status can be summed of up in the saying, "up to snuff and a pinch above it", (Taken from Gose's Dictionary, 1823), essentially meaning "flash".
In order to be flash you had to have the right box! With such emphasis placed on such a small indispensable accessory there is no wonder why snuff box manufactures were regarded as artists, creating and designing these elegant little boxes with a high level of skill and artistry.
Early boxes no expense was spared and they were made from precious metals and jewels for their aristocratic owners, special snuff boxes as well as having a beautiful exterior usually had an additional interest on the inside, sometimes a portrait or image and or another feature be it a secret compartment or automation.
Top snuff boxes became the gift of choice for heads of state to present to diplomats and as honorees gift, such as with The Duke of Wellington when he was presented with a snuff box by each of the heads of state following the battle of Waterloo.
When snuff became more affordable and the practice became more widespread boxes became more widespread and were made for all levels of wealth; with a wide range of material used: gold, silver, precious stones, copper, brass, fine woods, shell, bone, horn, ivory, papier mache, tortoiseshell, enamel and mother - of - pearl.
Snuff boxes ranged in size from the very small to be carried in a lady's purse, to medium sized to be carried in a gentleman's pocket to larger table snuff boxes.
Personal snuff boxes as the name would suggest were for personal use and were an important part of a gentleman or ladies attire.
Snuff users were known to have many different personal snuff boxes for different dresses or suits, or even for different weekdays, seasons and events! Table snuff boxes were made as suggested for the table to be used at social gatherings such as dinner parties or when guests were present, basically to be handed around to share.
Boxes also ranged in shape, they can be oval, square, rectangular, round, fantasies (objects such as boots and books); and many more.
These fascinating and elaborately decorated boxes are an excellent choice as a collection, as detailed above they can are made in a variety of countries and of a variety of materials, decorated in various ways using the different skills of there makers and come in different sizes and shapes which obviously determines there worth.
Each piece has a story which is what fascinates me, good luck with your collections.