{"product_id":"antique-solid-silver-gilt-circular-tobacco-snuff-box-18th-century","title":"Antique Solid Silver Gilt Circular Tobacco Snuff Box - 18th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe are delighted to offer this handsome Georgian solid silver gilt tobacco\/snuff box made likely in England, late 18th century, with a later French import mark. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe box presents a classically elegant, modest yet juxtaposing opulent design, reflecting some of the best qualities of British understated design of the Georgian period. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn spite of its relatively 'simple' appearance, it has been made from a good gauge of silver with a fully gilt (gold on top of solid silver) surface that wonderfully contrasts its minimalist design. A family crest for the Sheldon family has been hand-engraved on the top with the motto \"Optimum Pati\". \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInterestingly, whilst snuff boxes normally have a hinge (between the lid and base), tobacco boxes of the 18th century tend to have a relatively simple 'pull-off' design. Whilst the precise reason for such a design choice is not ascertained (as of yet), some theories suggest that loose tobacco leaves for pipes would require more time and preparation in comparison to pinching snuff which could be done on the go. As such, tobacco boxes did not require a hinge as it would be used whilst sitting down\/placing the box and lid down as opposed to a snuff box which would be rapidly opened and closed for a single pinch.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA further point of interest and speculation is its hallmarks (two single French later import marks on the base and lid). We believe fairly certainly that the box was made in England due to its design, silver gauge and the engraved family crest. English silver would require to be hallmarked; however, it was not unusual in this period for makers to either only have their maker's mark or perhaps omit the hallmarking process, whether be it for duty dodging reasons or otherwise. For this particular example, it may have been a bespoke commission for the family, hence omitting hallmarking for both parties to save time\/costs. What is additionally unique, however, is that a later 19th c. french import hallmark has been imposed, which suggests that at a later point the article had been moved to France and as such, one can only imagine the stories it could tell, surviving close to 250 years of history!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lid has a very secure and tight closure, further revealing its high level of craftsmanship that has withstood the test of time.   \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eDue to its versatile size, in the modern day, it may also be used practically for carrying pills, mints on the go, in a distinguished and stylish manner, bound to be a conversation starter for the keen-eyed. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith practicality, elegance and style combined in one, this box is the perfect accoutrement for any tobacciana collections or collectors of fine boxes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhilst originally designed for holding snuff tobacco, this box could also be used for storing mints, tablets or small items. A perfect gift or addition for the discerning individual and an equally delightful conversation starter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*Please note: all images with other items are for display purposes only, this listing is for the item mentioned in the title.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eSize (cm) W:5.1cm H:2.4cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eSize (inches) W:2.00 H:0.94\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eWeight: 48.34 grams (1.55 Troy oz)  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003eGood Condition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e-  The snuff box is in great antique condition with no major damage or issues. For accuracy: the surface presents some fine scratches and very minor gilding fading but overall remains a wonderful, rich antique gold colour. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe aim to overemphasise and state these issues to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ePlease refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eFree Shipping\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eArtisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe will \u003cspan\u003ealways ensure\u003c\/span\u003e your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery\/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e*All parcels are insured - please rest assured all shipping liabilities other than import\/customs duty are covered by Artisan Antiques.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e*Colours of the product may slightly differ from the photos due to different computer screens \u0026amp; lighting conditions*\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e- Price negotiations may be possible under certain criteria, please contact us via telephone (07578761640)\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eor email (info@artisanantiques.net) - \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Artisan Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55274225566081,"sku":null,"price":650.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0128\/2444\/5028\/files\/AntiqueSolidSilverGiltCircularTobaccoSnuffBoxFrenchImport_-18.jpg?v=1769191398","url":"https:\/\/www.artisanantiques.net\/products\/antique-solid-silver-gilt-circular-tobacco-snuff-box-18th-century","provider":"Artisan Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}