Snuff was a form of powdered and scented tobacco which was fashionable throughout 18th century Europe. Snuff was not intended to be smoked - a pinch of snuff was usually sprinkled on the back of the hand and then inhaled. Gold snuff boxes became some of the paraphernalia associated with snuff taking; they were also used as important diplomatic gifts and were often presented as rewards by grateful monarchs. Goldsmiths, stone polishers, enamel painters and miniaturists collaborated to create snuffboxes, each one a masterpiece of sumptuous decoration and design. This snuffbox is richly decorated with precious stones in the form of martial and musical trophies.

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.