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Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes For Sale
Place of Origin: Asian
Place of Origin: South Asian
An Imperial Mughal Gold Jade Box Set With Diamonds and Semi Precious Stones
Located in Queens, NY
An Exquisite Masterpiece of Mughal Splendor: A Rare Gold-Mounted Jade Box with Diamonds and Semi-Precious Stones Introduction to a Regal Artifact: This exceptional jade box, hailing from the storied Mughal Dynasty, is an unparalleled exemplar of imperial artistry and luxury. Acquired from the prestigious Spink Son of London, this artifact transcends its material beauty to stand as a significant piece of historical and cultural importance. With its rich provenance and intricate craftsmanship, this jade box embodies the opulence and refined tastes of one of history’s most powerful and influential empires. Craftsmanship: The Art of Mughal Luxury: At the heart of this piece lies a finely carved jade...
Category

18th Century Indian Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Jade, Gold

Small Antique Snuff Pot Chinese Carved Marble, Lidded Jar Victorian, circa 1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a very small antique snuff pot. A Chinese, carved marble lidded jar, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Endearingly petite, with...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Late Victorian Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Marble

Early 20th Century hand carved Kashmiri royal cavalry cigar box
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century hand carved Kashmiri royal cavalry cigar box A rare survivor from the 1st world war in the form of a hand carved Kashmiri cigar box. Covered in ornate relief flora...
Category

Early 1900s Indian Late Victorian Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Wood

Petite Chinese Brass Opium Box with Dragon Etching
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite metal canister was once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. Providing an airtight seal, the small box is formed of brass with an etched and stamped d...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Brass

Hand-Painted Mughal Miniature Lacquer Box, Persian-Indian Art, Signed Black Box
Located in Wembley, GB
A superbly hand-painted Mughal miniature lacquer box, created in the refined Indo-Persian artistic tradition and signed “Nangua”. This exquisite octagonal decorative box features a f...
Category

1960s Indian Art Deco Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Antique Asian Wood Opium Container with Lid and Brass Pull
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Decorative Antique Asian round wood box container with lid and brass pull. Vintage collectible Asian wooden tobacco or opium round container. Round shaped lidded opium container...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Tibetan Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Wood

Kenji Fujita Ceramic on Oak Jar Box Japanese Studio Craft Tea Caddy Tobacco
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Tottori Japan, c.1950s Turned Oak Tea Caddy with Ceramic Inlay by ceramicist Kenji Fujita.
Category

1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Wood

Antique Chinese Export Silver Cigarette Case
Located in New York, NY
Chinese export silver cigarette case, ca 1910. Curved and rectangular with push tab. On cover engraved tail-chasing dragon—all talons and horns and scaly serpentine body. Back plain....
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Silver

Antique 20thC Russian Fabergé Gilt Solid Silver, Enamel Diamond Necessaire
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique early 20th Century Imperial Russian Fabergé gilt solid silver & gold necessaire case. Decorated with vibrant mauve enamel over an engine-turned...
Category

20th Century Russian Other Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Silver, Enamel

Small Porcelain Snuff Bottle with Presentation Box, Early 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
A small porcelain snuff bottle featuring a delicately hand-painted figural scene on the front. The scene depicts traditional Chinese figures in a garden setting, executed in bright e...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Porcelain

Fish Scale Midnight Blue Chinese Cloisonne Tobacco Box 1930 s
Located in Mobile, AL
Monochrome Chinese Fish Scale cloisonne is long famed for it's high quality of craftsmanship and understated elegance. A staple of interior design...
Category

1930s Chinese Chinoiserie Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Ancient Chinese Ivory Snuff Bottle with Erotic Scene, Late 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Chinese erotic ivory snuff bottle, most likely realized during the late !ing Dinasty (late 19th Century). Both main faces are finely engraved with Shunga-style erotic scenes, showin...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Ivory

Antique Asian Silver Betel Nut Box in Foo Lion Form Southeast Asia
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique Asian Silver Betel Nut Box in Foo Lion Form, Southeast Asia, 19th–20th Century A finely crafted antique South Asian silver betel nut box, ...
Category

Early 20th Century Thai Anglo Raj Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

18th Century Chinese Beijing enamel snuff box
Located in Basildon, GB
An 18th Century Chinese Beijing enamel snuff box finely painted to the lid and sides with typical Chinese scenes, the base painted with a leafy gourd. The lid is mounted in gilt bron...
Category

18th Century Chinese Qing Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Antique Chinese Snuff Bottle Lapis Lazuli Gemstone Carved Late Qing Dynasty Blue
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A rare carved antique Chinese lapis lazuli stone snuff bottle of the late Qing Dynasty. Finely carved from a solid piece of genuine lapis lazuli exhibiting rich and vibrant blue tone...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Qing Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Lapis Lazuli

Russian Silver, Gold And Niello Topographical Snuff Box
Located in New Orleans, LA
This silver, gold and niello inlaid topographical snuffbox is a masterpiece of Russian silver. Almost owned by a wealthy 19th-century tradesman, this extraordinary creation shares a ...
Category

19th Century Russian Other Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Gold, Silver

Burmese Antique Duck Betel Nut Box, Silver Metal, Vintage, 1950s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Arts & Crafts, Asian Antique, Asian, Vintage Measures : 14x21cm H:19cm Bétel nut box appearing a duck, made of metal pushed with a high silver content. Historically, these boxes wer...
Category

Mid-20th Century Cambodian Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique Chinese Export Silver Cigarette Case
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Chinese Export Silver cigarette / card case; part of our diverse Asian silverware collection. This fine antique Chinese Export Silver (CES) cigarette/card case has a plain rectangular form with rounded corners. The anterior cover is embellished with an embossed and chased decorated iconic Chinese dragon design amidst clouds, on a matte background, incorporating a shield shaped vacant cartouche. The posterior cover is ornamented with traditional embossed and chased plum blossom foliate and floral decoration, also on a matte background. The rounded sides of this antique silver cigarette case...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Silver

Exquisite and Large Indian 22k Gold, Enamel, and Diamond Snuff Box, Jaipur
Located in Queens, NY
An Exquisite and Large Indian 22K Gold, Enamel, and Diamond Snuff Box, Jaipur A very fine quality 22k gold box set with 40 diamonds, painted with the fi...
Category

20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Gold, Enamel

Antique Asian Chinese Opium Box in Cloisonné Enamel, Snuff Box Floral Motif
Located in Leuven , BE
Antique Chinese Opium Box in Cloisonné Enamel, decorated with Floral Motifs and Interior Scenes French Private Collection
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Metal

Antique Asian Chinese Opium Box Cloisonné Enamel, Tobacco Snuff Box Floral Motif
Located in Leuven , BE
Old Chinese Opium Box in Cloisonné Enamel, decorated with Vases and Flowers. French Private Collection
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Metal

Post-Modern Tessellated Pink Marble and Red Travertine Box by Maitland Smith
Located in Miami, FL
Post Modern tobacco or snuff box rendered in tessellated pink marble and rosso travertino, red travertine with brass inlay, brown velvet and wood interior by Maitland Smith. Match...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Post-Modern Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Travertine, Marble, Brass

Large Antique Komai Style Japanese Damascene Cigarillo, Cigar or Cigarette Case
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large antique damascene styled tobacco case is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Japan and dating to approximately 1920 and done in a Anglo-Japanese style. The case...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Metal

Blue Lapis Lazuli and Marble Stone Rectangular Jewelry or Trinket Box
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Beautiful blue Lapis Lazuli and Carrara marble stone jewelry box. Created from genuine blue Lapis Lazuli, this box is low in profile and rectangular in form. This lovely jewelry or trinket box features a lid that fits onto its base. Both of which are completely covered in this beautiful blue stone. The interior of the box's base and lid, are created using Carrara marble. The lid features stays, which retrofit into the base, and allow the top to hold to the base without sliding or moving. The exterior is flanked with the gorgeous richly hued blue lapis lazuli. How we would style it: This blue stone box...
Category

20th Century Indian Agra Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Marble

Chinese Hand Carved Peking Glass Snuff Bottle Reverse Painted Dragon Pearl Gourd
Located in Palm Beach, FL
An exquisite Chinese Hand Carved Peking Glass Snuff Bottle. Hand painted on the reverse with a dragon chasing the pearl design. This beautiful Chinese snuff bottle is hand made of th...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Cut Glass

RUSSIAN 1860 Antique Pietra Dura Dog Gold Oval Pill Box In Solid 14Kt Yellow
Located in Miami, FL
Antique gold box with Pietra-Dura panel. This is a beautiful antique oval box created in Russia back in the 1860. The box has been crafted in solid yellow gold of 14 karats (56 zolo...
Category

1860s Russian Early Victorian Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Gold

Japanese Gilt Takamaki-E Tabako-Bon, C. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This box with many drawers is a Japanese tabako-bon, or 'tobacco tray,' used to store tobacco and smoking accessories. Believed to have evolved from the t...
Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Brass

Ancient Japanese Ivory Snuff Bottle with Erotic Scene, Late 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Japanese ivory Snuff Bottle crafted from voy and decorated with Shunga-style erotic scenes, probably made for export during the Meiji period. Very good condition.
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Ivory

Erotic Chinese Baitong Opium Box, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite white brass (baitong) canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. Dated to the 19th-century, the box is an example of Qing-dynasty erotica, incorp...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Brass

Petite Etched Chinese Opium Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite 19th-century canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box is formed of brass with a copper interior and...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Brass, Copper

Japanese Keyaki Elm Tabako-Bon, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This box with many drawers is a Japanese tabako-bon, or 'tobacco tray,' used to store tobacco and smoking accessories. Believed to have evolved from the t...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Brass

Chinese Copper Coin Opium Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite 19th century canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box is formed of antique coins and copper and pro...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Copper

Silver Cigarette Case of Taj Mahal
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Silver cigarette case of Taj Mahal.
Category

20th Century Indian Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Silver

Maranao Brass Betel Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Decorated in relief and cloaked in an antique patina, this curious brass case is an early 20th century betel nut box, attributed to the Maranao people of the island of Mindanao, Phil...
Category

Early 20th Century Philippine Folk Art Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Brass

Antique Asian Export Silver Cigarette Case with Battlescene
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A fine entirely handcrafted antique cigarette case with a gilded interior. Its front depicts a battle scene where the warriors, presumably Chine...
Category

19th Century Asian Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Silver

Chinese Cinnabar Lacquer Cuspidor
Located in New Orleans, LA
This intriguing Chinese zhadou is intricately carved of fine cinnabar lacquer. A work of exceptional artistry, this covered bowl is adorned with an intricately carved floral motif on all surfaces, including the cover and the wide rim. Also known as a cuspidor or spittoon, this rare container would have been used by members of the imperial family and scholar- officials at the court. Carved during the Kangxi period (1662-1722), this charming piece exhibits the high detail and charm associated with items from that period, making it a true treasure, Early 18th century (Kangxi dynasty) Measures: 6 ¼” wide x 3 ¼” high Cinnabar has been revered for its color all over the world. It has been found in the royal burial chambers of the Mayas, in the rituals of India, and in the ruins of ancient Greece and Rome. In China, cinnabar and gold were the two most important elements in alchemy. Mined since the Neolithic Age, cinnabar is the ore of mercury, and as such, it can be incredibly toxic, especially when mining. In fact, during the Roman Empire, miners at Spain’s Almadén mine in Spain were frequently exposed to mercury fumes, and the subsequent, often fatal, sickness was considered an occupational hazard. The most popular known use of cinnabar is in Chinese carved lacquer-ware, a technique that is believed to have originated in the Song Dynasty, in which cinnabar is ground to a powder and added to clear lacquer. As with mining, there was inherent danger of mercury poisoning for those who carved the lacquer, as mercury was also released into the air when artisans ground the pigments. Most antique cinnabar...
Category

18th Century Chinese Other Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Lacquer

Decorative Box for Cigarettes in wood brown color India
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Decorative Box for Cigarettes in wood brown color India
Category

1960s Indian Art Deco Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Wood, Olive

Maranao Silver Inlaid Betel Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Decorated with silver inlay and cloaked in an antique patina, this curious brass case is an early 20th century betel nut box, attributed to the Maranao people of the island of Mindan...
Category

Early 20th Century Philippine Folk Art Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Brass, Silver

19th Century Squared Spinach Jade Snuff Bottle with Unique Design
Located in Lomita, CA
This spinach jade snuff bottle has a geometric appearance with its squared silhouette and ledge that is ergonomically designed to accommodate a finger or a thumb while using the bott...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Jade

Petite Indonesian Brass Betel Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite brass box was originally part of an early 20th century betel box set from Indonesia, one of several small containers that held the individual ingredients of a betel quid....
Category

Early 20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Brass

Petite Indonesian Brass Betel Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite brass box was originally part of an early 20th century betel box set from Indonesia, one of several small containers that held the individual ingredients of a betel quid....
Category

Early 20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Brass

Chinese Export Silver Cigar Box by Hung Chong Co.
Located in Savannah, GA
Sterling silver cigar box marked Hung Chong (or Cheong) & Co., silversmiths & retailers, Canton, China, circa 1860-1930. Classic intertwined ...
Category

1920s Chinese Chinese Export Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Etched Chinese Opium Box, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
A small brass canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box dates to the 19th century and is decorated with etchi...
Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Brass, Copper

Chinese lacquer Tobacco box with 24 carat pure gold decorations 1940s
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Chinese lacquer tobacco box with 24 carat pure gold decorations
Category

1940s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate

Petite Indonesian Brass Betel Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite brass box was originally part of an early 20th century betel box set from Indonesia, one of several small containers that held the individual ingredients of a betel quid....
Category

Early 20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Brass

Chinese Bronze Opium Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite bronze canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box dates to the early 20th century and provided an air...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Luscious Leather Embossed Hand-Painted Chinoiserie Box
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Wonderful Chinese box in red, gold and black having a Chinoiserie painted design on embossed leather with original brass hardware. There's a removable metal liner and the interior is...
Category

1940s Chinese Chinoiserie Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Leather

Chinese Export Silver Vinaigrette by Canton Retailer Cutshing
Located in New York, NY
Chinese export silver vinaigrette. Rectangular with hinged cover. Scenes of indigenous life in low relief. Interior gilt with hinged grill; engraved presentation on cover: “E. E. W. ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Silver

Silver and niello tobacco box, Moscow, Russia 1879.
Located in Milan, IT
Silver and niello snuffbox. The tobacco box, made of 84 zolotnik silver (875/1000) is rectangular in shape with a soap bar body, with rounded corners and rounded profiles. The entire...
Category

Late 19th Century Russian Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Silver

Antique Niello Enamel and Silver Shoe Vesta Case
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Russian silver vesta case in the form of a shoe; an addition to our diverse smoking related silverware collecti...
Category

1850s Russian Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Silver

Hollywood Regency Brass Box with Faux Ivory Tusk or Horn
Located in Houston, TX
Hollywood Regency brass box with faux ivory tusk or Horn. Handsome Hollywood Regency brass box with faux ivory tusk or Horn. Our stunning Karl Springer ...
Category

1960s Indian Hollywood Regency Vintage Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Brass

Colorful Semi Precious Stone Rectangular Jewelry or Trinket Box with Lid
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful colorful decorative box with a lid created from Carrara marble and inlaid with a variety of semi-precious stones. The sides are inlaid with a variety of stones in abstrac...
Category

20th Century Indian Folk Art Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Stone, Jade, Carrara Marble

Petite Chinese Opium Box, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite 19th century canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box is formed of brass and provided an airtight s...
Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Brass

Petite Oval Opium Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite 19th-century canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. Perfecting line and form, the small box has a balanced, oval form shaped of white brass (...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Brass, Copper

Qing Dynasty - 13 Antique Chinese Porcelain Enameled Salt Boxes
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), 19th century. A grouping or instant collection of antique porcelain enameled salt boxes. Each box is decorated with immortal being riding the fabl...
Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Porcelain

Antique 1900s Chinese Silver Vinaigrette
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese silver vinaigrette in the form of a purse; an addition to our silver boxes collection This excep...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Chinese Export Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Silver

Japanese Tokyo Shop Tabako-Bon
Located in Chicago, IL
This wooden box is a Japanese tabako-bon, or 'tobacco tray,' used to store tobacco and smoking accessories. Believed to have evolved from the traditional ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Brass, Sheet Metal

Antique Russian Silver Spice Box
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Russian silver box; an addition to our Russian silverware collection This exceptional antique Russian silver spice box...
Category

Mid-19th Century Russian Antique Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Silver

Chinese Bronze Opium Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite bronze canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box dates to the early 20th century and provided an air...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Tabako-bon with Two Rabbits, c. 1920
Located in Chicago, IL
This wooden box is a Japanese tabako-bon, or 'tobacco tray,' used to store tobacco and smoking accessories. Believed to have evolved from the traditional ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Bamboo, Bakelite, Hardwood

Antique Snuffboxes for Sale on 1stDibs

Today antique snuffboxes and tobacco boxes — as well as a lot of other vintage tobacco accessories — are collectibles and charming pieces of decor for any display case or to elevate your bookshelves.

Snuff, made of ground tobacco, was especially popular with Europeans in the 1600s. The ornate boxes to keep the powder dry became highly decorative by the 18th century. It was considered a must-have item, particularly for nobility.

The most important feature of a snuffbox was that it was airtight. The box protected the snuff from oxygen. Another crucial component was the flat lid.

Snuffboxes could be small enough to fit into a pocket or a larger container for communal use at the table. They also came in different shapes. Porcelain containers were prevalent and often designed to look like trunks. Others were oval or square. Boxes made with cowrie shells were rare and more expensive.

Snuffboxes were usually crafted from silver, gold, horn or tortoiseshell. Some of the most prestigious snuffboxes were French tabatières made of gold and sometimes glass. They could be adorned with amethysts, sapphires and diamonds and enameled, engraved or chased.

Sheffield, England, was known for its silver snuffboxes in the late 18th century as its silver-plating technologies perfected these containers. By the early 19th century, the silver industry in Birmingham, England, was producing elegant snuffboxes with images of abbeys and castles on the sides and top.

Another type of tobacco box was the snuff mull or mill. It was made out of horn or an entire ram’s head and topped with a metal lid, frequently featuring engravings and decorative hinges. These were fashionable in Scotland during the 19th century. The origin of its name is unclear.

On 1stDibs, find a plentiful range of antique snuffboxes and tobacco boxes to complement any home decor or furniture style. You can browse the collection by style, which includes Victorian, Georgian and Art Deco, or by material to find pieces in silver and gold.

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