Not currently on display at the V&A

Box

ca. 1710 (made)
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Place of origin
England (made)

This snuff or tobacco box was made of cattle horn, a tough material, the preparation of which involved boiling for several hours, cutting and pressing. The fact that it leaves no flavour would mean that tobacco could be stored in it without being contaminated. The lid is decorated with the coat of arms of Queen Anne (reigned 1702 - 1714) but the motto, SEMPER EADEM (always the same) is associated with a number of families, such as Fairbairn, Harvey, Gouch and Reid. This item would have belonged to a loyal subject rather than the monarch.


Object details

Categories
Containers
Medieval and Renaissance
Smoking Accessories
Object type
Box
Materials and techniques
Engraved pressed horn
Horn
Pressing
Engraving
Brief description
Pressed horn box, English, 1710, engraved with Royal arms and 'Semper fidelis'
Physical description
Pressed horn, Royal arms and Supporters of Queen Anne, withy motto SEMPER EADEM, formerly gilt.
Dimensions
  • Length: 6.5cm
  • Width: 4.5cm
when acquired by this museum, the object's measurements were as follows: Length 2 7/16 inches; Width 1 3/4 inches.
Marks and inscriptions
  • 'SEMPER EADEM'
    Translation
    Always the same
  • 'HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE' (The motto "Semper Eadem" is placed where the royal motto, "Mon Dieu et Mon Droit", would normally be.)
    Translation
    Cursed be he that thinks evil of it
Subjects depicted
Lion
Unicorn
Coat of Arms, Royal
Summary
This snuff or tobacco box was made of cattle horn, a tough material, the preparation of which involved boiling for several hours, cutting and pressing. The fact that it leaves no flavour would mean that tobacco could be stored in it without being contaminated. The lid is decorated with the coat of arms of Queen Anne (reigned 1702 - 1714) but the motto, SEMPER EADEM (always the same) is associated with a number of families, such as Fairbairn, Harvey, Gouch and Reid. This item would have belonged to a loyal subject rather than the monarch.
Collection
Furniture and Woodwork Collection
Accession number
M.827-1926

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Record createdNovember 22, 2005
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O118858/box-unknown/
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