What is the historical significance of an 18th-century table snuff box?

During the 18th century, snuffing powdered tobacco was a widespread social ritual among European nobility, leading to the creation of specialised containers. Larger table snuff boxes were designed to sit on furniture in reception rooms for communal use and display.

How were antique silver gilt table boxes constructed?

Craftsmen formed these boxes using solid silver, frequently applying repousse and chasing techniques to raise high-relief decorative patterns from the reverse side. The surface was finished with vermeil gilding, applying a layer of gold over the silver substrate.

How can one identify an authentic 18th-century silver gilt box?

Authentic pieces generally feature period hallmarks indicating silver purity, city origin, date letters, and maker marks. Physical examination reveals hand-chased details, historic hinge assembly techniques, and natural wear to raised areas of gilding.

How can an antique silver gilt box be styled in a modern interior?

Place the box atop a stacked set of art books on a console, or feature it within a display on an office desk or bookshelf. Its gilded finish and relief work add metallic texture and historical context to contemporary tabletop arrangements.

What is the proper method for cleaning and preserving silver gilt items?

Dust gently using a soft, dry microfibre cloth or a soft bristle brush to clear relief work. Avoid harsh abrasive polishes or chemical dips, as these can strip away historic layers of gold gilding and remove natural oxidisation in low relief areas.

for sale €995 $1,080

£850

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Antique Solid Silver Gilt Table Snuff Box, Rococo Motif and Meleager Boar Head Scene - 18th C.

Name: Antique Solid Silver Gilt Table Snuff Box, Rococo Motif and Meleager Boar Head Scene - 18th C.
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1157756
Price: 850 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by Artisan Antiques

Description

We are delighted to offer this splendid antique solid silver gilt snuff box made in the 18th century, of continental origin and probably Dutch.

The box presents a beautiful Rococo-shaped and decorated design with a wonderfully ornate scalloped and scrolled border enclosing the Greek mythological scene of Meleager presenting a boar's head to Atalanta. The scene depicts Meleager presenting the head of the Calydonian boar to Atalanta as a token of his admiration and love after she, along with other hunters, participated in the hunt for the monstrous boar that was terrorising the land of Calydon.

The entirety of the box has been gilt (gold on top of solid silver) which not only presents a wonderful opulent aesthetic but also prevents the silver from tarnishing.

The scene is embossed with repousse and the surrounding motifs have been hand-chased. This decoration continues on to its sides where further scrolls and foliate decorations are present.

The box is crafted in a lovely form with a cartouche-like shape with elegant curves and aesthetics - a testament to the craftsmanship of the era and symbolic of how much time and cost would have gone into embellishing one single box.

Whilst 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 addition for an interior setting to elevate its decor.

A single letter hallmark is present on the base of the box.

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

Size

Size (cm) L:8.7cm W:7.2cm H:2.3cm

Size (inches) L:3.42 W:2.83 H:0.90

Weight: 104 grams (3.34 Troy oz)

Condition

Good Condition - The snuff box is in good antique condition with no major damage or issues. As expected with age, surface wear is presents and some minor gilding loss to the high points but overall remains a wonderful antique gold colour.

We aim to overemphasize and state these issues 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 Silver Gilt Snuff Box to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1157756

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 splendid antique solid silver gilt snuff box made in the 18th century, of continental origin and probably Dutch.

The box presents a beautiful Rococo-shaped and decorated design with a wonderfully ornate scalloped and scrolled border enclosing the Greek mythological scene of Meleager presenting a boar's head to Atalanta. The scene depicts Meleager presenting the head of the Calydonian boar to Atalanta as a token of his admiration and love after she, along with other hunters, participated in the hunt for the monstrous boar that was terrorising the land of Calydon.

“

The entirety of the box has been gilt (gold on top of solid silver) which not only presents a wonderful opulent aesthetic but also prevents the silver from tarnishing.

Artisan Antiques

fig 1. An eighteenth-century shaped oval silver-gilt table snuff box featuring Rococo scrollwork and a raised mythological scene on the hinged lid. — fig 1. Antique Solid Silver Gilt Table Snuff Box, Rococo Motif and Meleager Boar Head Scene - 18th C.

The scene is embossed with repousse and the surrounding motifs have been hand-chased. This decoration continues on to its sides where further scrolls and foliate decorations are present.

The box is crafted in a lovely form with a cartouche-like shape with elegant curves and aesthetics - a testament to the craftsmanship of the era and symbolic of how much time and cost would have gone into embellishing one single box.

fig 2. An eighteenth-century shaped oval silver-gilt table snuff box featuring Rococo scrollwork and a raised mythological scene on the hinged lid. — fig 2. Antique Solid Silver Gilt Table Snuff Box, Rococo Motif and Meleager Boar Head Scene - 18th C.

Whilst 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 addition for an interior setting to elevate its decor.

fig 3. An eighteenth-century shaped oval silver-gilt table snuff box featuring Rococo scrollwork and a raised mythological scene on the hinged lid. — fig 3. Antique Solid Silver Gilt Table Snuff Box, Rococo Motif and Meleager Boar Head Scene - 18th C.

A single letter hallmark is present on the base of the box.

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

Size

Size (cm) L:8.7cm W:7.2cm H:2.3cm

fig 4. An eighteenth-century shaped oval silver-gilt table snuff box featuring Rococo scrollwork and a raised mythological scene on the hinged lid. — fig 4. Antique Solid Silver Gilt Table Snuff Box, Rococo Motif and Meleager Boar Head Scene - 18th C.

Size (inches) L:3.42 W:2.83 H:0.90

Weight: 104 grams (3.34 Troy oz)

Condition

Good Condition - The snuff box is in good antique condition with no major damage or issues. As expected with age, surface wear is presents and some minor gilding loss to the high points but overall remains a wonderful antique gold colour.

fig 5. An eighteenth-century shaped oval silver-gilt table snuff box featuring Rococo scrollwork and a raised mythological scene on the hinged lid. — fig 5. Antique Solid Silver Gilt Table Snuff Box, Rococo Motif and Meleager Boar Head Scene - 18th C.

We aim to overemphasize and state these issues 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 6. An eighteenth-century shaped oval silver-gilt table snuff box featuring Rococo scrollwork and a raised mythological scene on the hinged lid. — fig 6. Antique Solid Silver Gilt Table Snuff Box, Rococo Motif and Meleager Boar Head Scene - 18th C.

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.