Antique Prisoner of War Double Snuff Shoe - Love Token

18th century

Sold by Opus Antiques

Description

A very nice antique Prisoner of War double snuff shoe box with hinged lid, heart and diamond inlay to lid and toe. Fine detailed carving to lid as well.Several of these type of snuff shoes were made at Sissinghurst Castle , where up to 3,000 French prisoners were incarcerated during the Seven Years' War (1756-63). The prisoners, imprisoned seamen, wrote home to their families, referring to Sissinghurst as Chateau de Sissinghurst; the name stuck. These antique snuff boxes were made to sell in the markets surrounding the prisoners, where trade between prisoner and the outside world regularly took place. The money that these prisoners made from selling their goods enabled them to buy food, gamble and in some cases save for when they were released. A double snuff shoe was probably made as a wedding gift or love token. Late 18th century.

It measures 9.5cm l x 5cm w x 1.7cm h

Physical Dimensions

Height

1.7cm (0.67")

Width

5cm (1.97")

Depth

9.5cm (3.74")

Declaration

Opus Antiques has dated this piece to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA847115

Dealers Notes

Own a piece of history

Description

A very nice antique Prisoner of War double snuff shoe box with hinged lid, heart and diamond inlay to lid and toe. Fine detailed carving to lid as well.

“

Several of these type of snuff shoes were made at Sissinghurst Castle , where up to 3,000 French prisoners were incarcerated during the Seven Years' War (1756-63).

Opus Antiques

The prisoners, imprisoned seamen, wrote home to their families, referring to Sissinghurst as Chateau de Sissinghurst; the name stuck. These antique snuff boxes were made to sell in the markets surrounding the prisoners, where trade between prisoner and the outside world regularly took place. The money that these prisoners made from selling their goods enabled them to buy food, gamble and in some cases save for when they were released. A double snuff shoe was probably made as a wedding gift or love token. Late 18th century.

It measures 9.5cm l x 5cm w x 1.7cm h