What is the history of Victorian silver snuff boxes?

Victorian silver snuff boxes gained immense popularity during the 19th century when snuff-taking became a widespread social habit among the elite, leading to highly ornate metalwork craftsmanship.

What traditional materials and techniques were used in their construction?

These pieces were typically crafted from solid sterling silver, often featuring intricate hand-chased, engraved, or repousse decoration by master silversmiths.

How can one identify authentic Victorian silver boxes?

Authenticity is verified through hallmark stamps on the interior or rim, indicating the assay office, date letter, makers mark, and silver purity standard.

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

Such decorative objects work well displayed on a stack of coffee table books, inside a glass cabinet, or on a mantelpiece to add historical texture to a room.

What is the proper care and preservation routine for antique silver?

Silver should be kept away from high humidity and harsh chemicals, and cleaned gently with a specialist microfibre cloth and non-abrasive polish only when necessary.

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Antique Victorian Solid Silver Snuff Box with Scrolled Acanthus Engravings - Nathaniel Mills 1840

Name: Antique Victorian Solid Silver Snuff Box with Scrolled Acanthus Engravings - Nathaniel Mills 1840
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1039839
Price: 850 GBP
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Artisan Antiques

Sold 6 September 2024 · Artisan Antiques

This “Antique Victorian Solid Silver Snuff Box with Scrolled Acanthus Engravings - Nathaniel Mills 1840” found a buyer.

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

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Description

We are delighted to offer this beautiful early Victorian snuff box with marks for Nathaniel Mills, Birmingham 1840.

Nathaniel Mills was known for exceptionally fine boxes and arguably was one of the best box maker of the 19th century. Unsurprisingly, this snuff box is wonderfully designed and ornately embellished, typical of his style and wares. Impressive and as a testament to the quality of Mill's works, the overall shape has been carefully crafted in a cartouche-like shape with scalloped edges and elegant curves.

One can imagine how difficult and time-consuming it would be to create this form in comparison to a straight-edge rectangular box. The very stylish, thin dimension of this box not only makes carrying this box ergonomic but also means that a high degree of skill is required to decorate it evenly.

Despite its small surface area where ornamentations can be displayed, each panel and angle have all been wonderfully hand engraved with acanthus scrolls, flowers and foliate motifs.

The interior of the snuff box reveals a stunning gilt interior compartment which presents an opulent lustre in contrast to its silver exterior.

In addition to its aesthetics, the gold has a practical purpose as it acts as a layer of protection from the contents tarnishing the silver.

Whether be it a wonderful collectable object of vertu or for holding snuff, small objects, tablets or even mints in the modern day, this box is a wonderful piece for the discerning individual.

Remarkably stylish and classically elegant, this box not only fits in the palm excellently and is perfect as a pocket box but is bound to be a conversation starter for the keen-eyed and those that appreciate quality.A full set of English hallmarks is present on the interior lid/base.

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

SIZE

Size (cm) L:9.5cm W:4.2cm H:1.5cm

Size (inches) L:3.74 H:1.65 H:0.59

Weight: 79 grams (2.53 Troy oz) total.

CONDITION

Great Condition - The snuff box is in great antique condition, with no major damage or issues. There are some minor nicks to the cartouche and some very slight surface scratches and wear commensurate with age. The decoration remains crisp and the interior gilding retains a wonderful lustre, the lid has a satisfying closure with a tight fit.

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) -

Date of Manufacture

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

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1039839

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 beautiful early Victorian snuff box with marks for Nathaniel Mills, Birmingham 1840.

“

Nathaniel Mills was known for exceptionally fine boxes and arguably was one of the best box maker of the 19th century.

Artisan Antiques

Unsurprisingly, this snuff box is wonderfully designed and ornately embellished, typical of his style and wares. Impressive and as a testament to the quality of Mill's works, the overall shape has been carefully crafted in a cartouche-like shape with scalloped edges and elegant curves.

fig 1. An ornate antique silver snuff box featuring dense scrollwork and acanthus leaf engravings across the curved surface. — fig 1. Antique Victorian Solid Silver Snuff Box with Scrolled Acanthus Engravings - Nathaniel Mills 1840

One can imagine how difficult and time-consuming it would be to create this form in comparison to a straight-edge rectangular box. The very stylish, thin dimension of this box not only makes carrying this box ergonomic but also means that a high degree of skill is required to decorate it evenly.

fig 2. An ornate antique silver snuff box featuring dense scrollwork and acanthus leaf engravings across the curved surface. — fig 2. Antique Victorian Solid Silver Snuff Box with Scrolled Acanthus Engravings - Nathaniel Mills 1840

Despite its small surface area where ornamentations can be displayed, each panel and angle have all been wonderfully hand engraved with acanthus scrolls, flowers and foliate motifs.

The interior of the snuff box reveals a stunning gilt interior compartment which presents an opulent lustre in contrast to its silver exterior.

fig 3. An ornate antique silver snuff box featuring dense scrollwork and acanthus leaf engravings across the curved surface. — fig 3. Antique Victorian Solid Silver Snuff Box with Scrolled Acanthus Engravings - Nathaniel Mills 1840

In addition to its aesthetics, the gold has a practical purpose as it acts as a layer of protection from the contents tarnishing the silver.

Whether be it a wonderful collectable object of vertu or for holding snuff, small objects, tablets or even mints in the modern day, this box is a wonderful piece for the discerning individual.

fig 4. An ornate antique silver snuff box featuring dense scrollwork and acanthus leaf engravings across the curved surface. — fig 4. Antique Victorian Solid Silver Snuff Box with Scrolled Acanthus Engravings - Nathaniel Mills 1840

Remarkably stylish and classically elegant, this box not only fits in the palm excellently and is perfect as a pocket box but is bound to be a conversation starter for the keen-eyed and those that appreciate quality.A full set of English hallmarks is present on the interior lid/base.

fig 5. An ornate antique silver snuff box featuring dense scrollwork and acanthus leaf engravings across the curved surface. — fig 5. Antique Victorian Solid Silver Snuff Box with Scrolled Acanthus Engravings - Nathaniel Mills 1840

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

SIZE

Size (cm) L:9.5cm W:4.2cm H:1.5cm

Size (inches) L:3.74 H:1.65 H:0.59

Weight: 79 grams (2.53 Troy oz) total.

fig 6. An ornate antique silver snuff box featuring dense scrollwork and acanthus leaf engravings across the curved surface. — fig 6. Antique Victorian Solid Silver Snuff Box with Scrolled Acanthus Engravings - Nathaniel Mills 1840

CONDITION

Great Condition - The snuff box is in great antique condition, with no major damage or issues. There are some minor nicks to the cartouche and some very slight surface scratches and wear commensurate with age. The decoration remains crisp and the interior gilding retains a wonderful lustre, the lid has a satisfying closure with a tight fit.

fig 7. An ornate antique silver snuff box featuring dense scrollwork and acanthus leaf engravings across the curved surface. — fig 7. Antique Victorian Solid Silver Snuff Box with Scrolled Acanthus Engravings - Nathaniel Mills 1840

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 8. An ornate antique silver snuff box featuring dense scrollwork and acanthus leaf engravings across the curved surface. — fig 8. Antique Victorian Solid Silver Snuff Box with Scrolled Acanthus Engravings - Nathaniel Mills 1840

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.

fig 9. An ornate antique silver snuff box featuring dense scrollwork and acanthus leaf engravings across the curved surface. — fig 9. Antique Victorian Solid Silver Snuff Box with Scrolled Acanthus Engravings - Nathaniel Mills 1840

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) -

Date of Manufacture

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

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1039839

About the Dealer

Artisan Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Dec 2020

Artisan antiques based in london, brings to you a global selection of fine antique silverware.

Dealer Profile

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An ornate antique silver snuff box featuring dense scrollwork and acanthus leaf engravings across the curved surface.

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Antique Victorian Solid Silver Snuff Box with Scrolled Acanthus Engravings - Nathaniel Mills 1840

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An ornate antique silver snuff box featuring dense scrollwork and acanthus leaf engravings across the curved surface. View XI

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An ornate antique silver snuff box featuring dense scrollwork and acanthus leaf engravings across the curved surface. View XIII

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