What is the historical purpose of a silver snuff box?

Silver snuff boxes were designed during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries to carry finely ground tobacco powder, serving both as functional containers and high-status personal accessories.

How were nineteenth-century solid silver snuff boxes constructed?

These boxes were typically crafted from sterling silver featuring cast borders, engine-turned geometric decoration, flush integrated hinges to prevent air exposure, and interior gilding to protect the metal from chemical corrosion.

How do you verify an authentic Victorian London silver box?

Authentication involves examining British hallmarks struck into the metal, including the lion passant for sterling purity, the leopards head for London, date letters, and registered makers marks.

How can an antique silver snuff box be integrated into contemporary interior design?

An antique silver box can be styled as a decorative accent on a desk, coffee table, or bookshelf, serving as a functional vessel for small items or integrated into a curated display tray.

What is the best method to clean and preserve an antique gilt-lined silver box?

Dust the surface with a soft microfibre cloth and use specialised silver polish sparingly on untarnished exterior areas, avoiding abrasive cleaners on internal gold wash gilding.

for sale €1,404 $1,524

£1,200

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Edward Edwards Silver

1830s Silver Snuff Box

Silver Table Snuff Box

Silver Pocket Tobacco Box

Id #SA1084153

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Antique Large & Heavy Solid Silver Snuff Box with Cast Acanthus Border - Edward Edwards London 1838

19th century

For Sale by Artisan Antiques

Description

We are delighted to offer this magnificent and heavy solid silver snuff box made in London in 1838 by Edward Edwards.

Edward Edwards made fine boxes of various sizes and qualities however, this particular piece is a pre-eminent example with all the most desirable features in one.

Although unconveyable through photos, the heft, quality and gauge of silver upon handling in person is exceptional. Weighing in at 192 grams, the box almost feels like it is a bar of silver and each element has been made from a thick gauge of silver which provides an exceptionally reassuring feel in hand.

The entire exterior is beautifully decorated with classical engine turning and the top lid features the highlight - a profusely chased and engraved applied-cast silver border. The border remains in very crisp condition and features a high relief and a three-dimensional effect with acanthus leaves and Rococo shells.

The interior features lovely gilding (gold on top of solid silver) which not only serves a wonderful aesthetic contrast to the exterior but protects silver from tarnishing from the contents held within.

Overall an exemplary table snuff box with each element finished to the highest degree. Ideal for box collections or a single impressive accent piece for the discerning box lover. Further, it may be used for practical storage of snuff, mints, medication etc.

A full set of English hallmarks are present on the interior base with matching marks on the lid.

*Please note: all images with other items are for display purposes only, this listing is for the title item only.

Size

Size (cm) L:8.8cm W:5.3 H:2.4cm

Size (inches) L:3.46 W:2.08 H:0.94

Weight: 192 grams (6.17 Troy oz)

Condition

Great Condition - The snuff box is in great antique condition without any major issues/damage. Some minor surface scratches commensurate with age and wear on the base engine turning as shown in the photos. The box's hinge and closure are exceptional with a very heavy and nice tight fit.

We aim to overemphasize and state these issues (if any) to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

Free Shipping

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure 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.

*All parcels are insured - please rest assured all shipping liabilities other than import/customs duty are covered by Artisan Antiques.

*Colours of the product may slightly differ from the photos due to different computer screens & lighting conditions*

- Price negotiations may be possible under certain criteria, please contact us via telephone (07578761640) or email (info@artisanantiques.net) -

Declaration

Artisan Antiques has dated this Victorian Silver Snuff Box to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1084153

Dealers Notes

We strive to provide inimitable first-class service with your needs and satisfaction as our number one priority.

Description

We are delighted to offer this magnificent and heavy solid silver snuff box made in London in 1838 by Edward Edwards.

“

Edward Edwards made fine boxes of various sizes and qualities however, this particular piece is a pre-eminent example with all the most desirable features in one.

Artisan Antiques

fig 1. A rectangular Victorian sterling silver snuff box with an open hinged lid, engine-turned engraving, cast acanthus leaf border, and a gilt interior. — fig 1. Antique Large & Heavy Solid Silver Snuff Box with Cast Acanthus Border - Edward Edwards London 1838

Although unconveyable through photos, the heft, quality and gauge of silver upon handling in person is exceptional. Weighing in at 192 grams, the box almost feels like it is a bar of silver and each element has been made from a thick gauge of silver which provides an exceptionally reassuring feel in hand.

fig 2. A rectangular Victorian sterling silver snuff box with an open hinged lid, engine-turned engraving, cast acanthus leaf border, and a gilt interior. — fig 2. Antique Large & Heavy Solid Silver Snuff Box with Cast Acanthus Border - Edward Edwards London 1838

The entire exterior is beautifully decorated with classical engine turning and the top lid features the highlight - a profusely chased and engraved applied-cast silver border. The border remains in very crisp condition and features a high relief and a three-dimensional effect with acanthus leaves and Rococo shells.

fig 3. A rectangular Victorian sterling silver snuff box with an open hinged lid, engine-turned engraving, cast acanthus leaf border, and a gilt interior. — fig 3. Antique Large & Heavy Solid Silver Snuff Box with Cast Acanthus Border - Edward Edwards London 1838

The interior features lovely gilding (gold on top of solid silver) which not only serves a wonderful aesthetic contrast to the exterior but protects silver from tarnishing from the contents held within.

fig 4. A rectangular Victorian sterling silver snuff box with an open hinged lid, engine-turned engraving, cast acanthus leaf border, and a gilt interior. — fig 4. Antique Large & Heavy Solid Silver Snuff Box with Cast Acanthus Border - Edward Edwards London 1838

Overall an exemplary table snuff box with each element finished to the highest degree. Ideal for box collections or a single impressive accent piece for the discerning box lover. Further, it may be used for practical storage of snuff, mints, medication etc.

fig 5. A rectangular Victorian sterling silver snuff box with an open hinged lid, engine-turned engraving, cast acanthus leaf border, and a gilt interior. — fig 5. Antique Large & Heavy Solid Silver Snuff Box with Cast Acanthus Border - Edward Edwards London 1838

A full set of English hallmarks are present on the interior base with matching marks on the lid.

Please note: all images with other items are for display purposes only, this listing is for the title item only.

fig 6. A rectangular Victorian sterling silver snuff box with an open hinged lid, engine-turned engraving, cast acanthus leaf border, and a gilt interior. — fig 6. Antique Large & Heavy Solid Silver Snuff Box with Cast Acanthus Border - Edward Edwards London 1838

Size

Size (cm) L:8.8cm W:5.3 H:2.4cm

Size (inches) L:3.46 W:2.08 H:0.94

Weight: 192 grams (6.17 Troy oz)

Condition

Great Condition - The snuff box is in great antique condition without any major issues/damage. Some minor surface scratches commensurate with age and wear on the base engine turning as shown in the photos. The box's hinge and closure are exceptional with a very heavy and nice tight fit.

fig 7. A rectangular Victorian sterling silver snuff box with an open hinged lid, engine-turned engraving, cast acanthus leaf border, and a gilt interior. — fig 7. Antique Large & Heavy Solid Silver Snuff Box with Cast Acanthus Border - Edward Edwards London 1838

We aim to overemphasize and state these issues (if any) to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

fig 8. A rectangular Victorian sterling silver snuff box with an open hinged lid, engine-turned engraving, cast acanthus leaf border, and a gilt interior. — fig 8. Antique Large & Heavy Solid Silver Snuff Box with Cast Acanthus Border - Edward Edwards London 1838

Free Shipping

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure 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.