What is a table snuff box?

A table snuff box is a large silver container meant to sit permanently on a surface rather than fit into a pocket. They served as communal receptacles for powdered tobacco in reception rooms. These pieces were kept filled for guests and household members during the Georgian and Victorian periods. Their substantial weight and decorative lids made them conversation pieces on dining and side tables.

How do I date a silver box?

Dating relies heavily on official hallmarks stamped into the metal, which indicate the assay office, city and year of production. Stylistic clues such as Rococo revival scrolls or Art Deco geometry also point to specific eras. Maker marks provide further context when cross-referenced against historical silversmith records. Unmarked continental pieces require stylistic comparison to determine their approximate age.

Can I use these boxes for modern items?

These containers adapt easily to holding modern small objects like pills, stamps or cufflinks on a desk or dressing table. The original gilded interiors protect the silver from modern contents. Care should be taken to clean them gently without abrasive polishes to preserve historical engraving and patination. They function well as decorative desktop accessories today.

Why are some interiors gold?

The gold wash, known as silver-gilt or vermeil, protected the pure silver from tarnishing when exposed to moist tobacco leaves. Acidic residues from snuff could otherwise pit and stain untreated silver. This application also added a layer of luxury to the piece when opened. Makers applied the gold finish using mercury amalgamation before modern electroplating techniques existed.

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Silver Table Snuff Box

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A silver table snuff box is a substantial receptacle designed to hold tobacco, encountered in Georgian, Victorian and continental styles.

Antique Georgian Solid Silver Large Table Snuff Box Floral Chased Border - Joseph Willmore 1832

18th century

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Antique Georgian Solid Silver Large Table Snuff Box Floral Chased Border - Joseph Willmore 1832

From Artisan Antiques

£1,250

FOR SALE

silver

19th century

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Antique Silver "Napoleon" Box.

From George James Antiques

£495

FOR SALE

silver

19th century

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Antique Silver Snuff Box.

From George James Antiques

£645

FOR SALE

silver

19th century

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Fine Quality Victorian Silver Table Box

From Sturmans Antiques

£369

FOR SALE

silver

19th century

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Victorian Silver Table Snuff Box by David Pettifer

From Deco Interiors

£785

FOR SALE

silver

18th century

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C1730 Rare Shell Shaped Silver Snuff Box by Gm Lovely Decoration 40g

From Dudley Antique Silver

£490

FOR SALE

silver

19th century

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A Victorian Silver Table Snuff Box Birmingham 1862 by Frederick Mason

From Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques

£285

FOR SALE

silver

19th century

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Antique French Solid Silver Niello Table Snuff Box - C.1880

From Artisan Antiques

£850

FOR SALE

silver

19th century

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Early 19th Century Turtle Shell and Silver Mounted Table Snuff Box

From Mark Jones Antiques

£950

FOR SALE

boxes

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

18th century

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

From Artisan Antiques

£850

FOR SALE

silver

Listings demonstrate a broad span of origins, encompassing English provincial towns, London workshops, continental European centres, and Russian imperial silversmiths.

19th century

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

From Artisan Antiques

£1,200

FOR SALE

silver

18th century

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Antique Silver Snuff Box.

From George James Antiques

£395

FOR SALE

silver

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Silver Table Snuff Box

Antique Georgian Solid Silver Large Table Snuff Box Floral Chased Border - Joseph Willmore 1832

Antique Silver "Napoleon" Box.

Antique Silver Snuff Box.

Fine Quality Victorian Silver Table Box

Victorian Silver Table Snuff Box by David Pettifer

C1730 Rare Shell Shaped Silver Snuff Box by Gm Lovely Decoration 40g

A Victorian Silver Table Snuff Box Birmingham 1862 by Frederick Mason

Antique French Solid Silver Niello Table Snuff Box - C.1880

Early 19th Century Turtle Shell and Silver Mounted Table Snuff Box

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

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

Antique Silver Snuff Box.

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