Decorative scenes of cavalry skirmishes enjoyed a great vogue during the Seven Years War (1756-63). The scenes on the cover, sides and base of the box are based on paintings by Georg Philipp Rugendas (1666-1742). The scene inside the lid depicts soldiers drinking, smoking and playing cards.

Snuffboxes made out of porcelain followed the shapes of those made in gold and hardstones. Painted scenes or portraits ornamented the sides, covers and interiors. Changing forms and decoration were important, as these fashion accessories might be chosen to match the season or a particular costume. Most European (though rarely English) porcelain factories made snuffboxes. The largest producer was Meissen in Germany, which manufactured vast quantities of boxes from about 1735-65. A price list of 1765 mentions 11 varieties, the cheapest painted with flowers.

Sir Arthur Gilbert and his wife Rosalinde amassed one of the world's great decorative art collections, including silver, mosaics, enamelled portrait miniatures and gold boxes. Arthur Gilbert donated his extraordinary collection to Britain in 1996.