Snuff Box
ca. 1805 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
This container held snuff, a form of powdered tobacco, which was pinched between the fingers and inhaled. Snuff-taking was popular in Britain from the late 17th century with both men and women. These small portable boxes meant individuals could be sure they always had snuff to hand, wherever they were. Even so, on social occasions larger containers would be passed around the table after dinner. Early snuff boxes contained a grater for breaking down the blocks of compressed powdered snuff and spices, such as cloves and cinnamon, imported from the West Indies. By 1730, however, the availability of ready-grated snuff made them redundant, although boxes with compartments intended for two or more sorts of snuff were sometimes made.
Commemoration
Military and naval heroes were commemorated on snuff boxes from the mid-18th century. This box, with a shield made from the oak of HMS 'Bellerophon', one of Admiral Lord Nelson's ships, was one of the earliest examples of the market for souvenirs of the celebrated naval hero.
This container held snuff, a form of powdered tobacco, which was pinched between the fingers and inhaled. Snuff-taking was popular in Britain from the late 17th century with both men and women. These small portable boxes meant individuals could be sure they always had snuff to hand, wherever they were. Even so, on social occasions larger containers would be passed around the table after dinner. Early snuff boxes contained a grater for breaking down the blocks of compressed powdered snuff and spices, such as cloves and cinnamon, imported from the West Indies. By 1730, however, the availability of ready-grated snuff made them redundant, although boxes with compartments intended for two or more sorts of snuff were sometimes made.
Commemoration
Military and naval heroes were commemorated on snuff boxes from the mid-18th century. This box, with a shield made from the oak of HMS 'Bellerophon', one of Admiral Lord Nelson's ships, was one of the earliest examples of the market for souvenirs of the celebrated naval hero.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silver gilt and oak |
| Brief description | Snuff Box, silver repousse, gilt. The box is formed as the head of Lord Nelson. English, 18th century; Silver, English |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
Admiral Lord Nelson (1758-1805) was commemorated by monuments in Birmingham and Liverpool and, later, London (in Nelson's Column, Trafalgar Square). He was also remembered in more modest forms, such as this snuff-box reproducing his death mask. It was partly made of oak from one of Nelson's ships and combines the material remains of Trafalgar with the image of the national hero.(27/03/2003) |
| Credit line | Given by Joseph Bond |
| Object history | Made from the oak of HMS 'Bellerophon', one of Admiral Lord Nelson's ships. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | Object Type This container held snuff, a form of powdered tobacco, which was pinched between the fingers and inhaled. Snuff-taking was popular in Britain from the late 17th century with both men and women. These small portable boxes meant individuals could be sure they always had snuff to hand, wherever they were. Even so, on social occasions larger containers would be passed around the table after dinner. Early snuff boxes contained a grater for breaking down the blocks of compressed powdered snuff and spices, such as cloves and cinnamon, imported from the West Indies. By 1730, however, the availability of ready-grated snuff made them redundant, although boxes with compartments intended for two or more sorts of snuff were sometimes made. Commemoration Military and naval heroes were commemorated on snuff boxes from the mid-18th century. This box, with a shield made from the oak of HMS 'Bellerophon', one of Admiral Lord Nelson's ships, was one of the earliest examples of the market for souvenirs of the celebrated naval hero. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 835-1890 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
