Sold 22 January 2026 · Opus Antiques

This “Rare Antique Tortoise Shaped Snuff Box- with a Moving Head” found a buyer.

It was listed by Opus Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Find more for sale

Antique Snuff Container Collectible Snuff Container Ask the dealer for something similar

Description

An extremely rare 19th century antique snuff box in the shape of a tortoise.

This amazing snuff box has a small moving head with glass eyes, decorative back and hinged lid. A very very unusual animal shaped snuff box.

It measures 7cm l x 4.8cm w.

Date of Manufacture

Opus Antiques has dated this Antique Tortoise Snuff Box to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1190050

Dealers Notes

Own a piece of history

Description

An extremely rare 19th century antique snuff box in the shape of a tortoise.

This amazing snuff box has a small moving head with glass eyes, decorative back and hinged lid. A very very unusual animal shaped snuff box.

It measures 7cm l x 4.8cm w.

Date of Manufacture

Opus Antiques has dated this Antique Tortoise Snuff Box to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1190050

About the Dealer

Opus Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2014

Antique treen, boxes & decorative georgian items

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Opus Antiques Profile Page

PDF

SAVE

A small carved wooden snuff box shaped like a tortoise with red inset eyes and a textured shell pattern.

1 / 2

Archive I

A Rare Antique Tortoise Shaped Snuff Box- with a Moving Head

Archive II

A small carved wooden snuff box shaped like a tortoise with red inset eyes and a textured shell pattern. View II

Opus Antiques

Telephone 07941 285 532

Location

North Devon
United Kingdom

Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/opusantiques

Verified Since Oct 2014

Items For Sale 99

Items Sold 2,403

Email Opus Antiques

A Rare Antique Tortoise Shaped Snuff Box- with a moving head

Ref: SA1190050

Your Name

Phone Number

Email Address

Message

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

Cataloguer’s Note

Sustainable Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

The Sustainable Choice

Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectDecorative Objects
Period19th century
StyleVictorian & Gothic
MaterialWood
ColourDark Brown
MotifsCarved shell texture, Articulated head, Inlaid eyes

FAQs

Snuff boxes originated in the 17th century when powdered tobacco became popular among the European aristocracy, leading to the creation of elaborate containers crafted from various materials.

These containers were typically fashioned from wood, bone, horn, tortoiseshell, and precious metals such as silver and gold, often featuring intricate hand-carved detailing.

Authenticity is determined by examining tool marks, natural ageing of the material, patination, and the construction methods consistent with historical manufacturing periods.

Small antique collectibles can be displayed on a mantelpiece, inside a glass-front cabinet, or on a stack of books to add texture and historical interest to a room.

Wood items should be kept away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity fluctuations, and maintained occasionally with a microcrystalline wax rather than liquid polishes.