Snuff-Box

Date1807

MediumTin plate

ClassificationsStimulant/Narcotic Equipment

Terms

Object numberC12147

DescriptionOblong tin box with a hinged lid at the top. It is enamelled in red, with gold border decoration and an image of a man wearing an admiral's hat. 'Gambier' is written above his head indicating that the image could represent Sir James Gambier (1756-1833), 1st Baron Gambier who was an admiral of the Royal Navy.

Snuff boxes were used for holding snuff, a scented powdered tobacco, in the 17th and 18th centuries. It was inhaled through the nose and was thought to have medicinal properties. The making of snuff boxes was a lucrative business. They could range in design from very simple to extremely ornate.

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