Frederick II, the Great of Prussia (r.1740-86) developed a new genre of snuffboxes as propaganda tools to celebrate his military prowess during the Seven Years War (1756-63). Often considered the first global war, this marked the end of France's supremacy in Europe, resulting in the transfer of most of its colonies to the benefice of England, and confirming Prussia as a new great power. The monarch used the very popular enamel-on-copper snuffboxes, made in Berlin and other German centres, to circulate swift updates on his military victories.

Some were painted with his portrait surrounded by the names and dates of different battles, while others, like this version, were painted with detailed maps of the conflict zones, showing troop movements and the geographical situation at the second year of the Seven Year's War (1756-1763).

Sir Arthur Gilbert and his wife Rosalinde formed 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.