Antique Snuff Box, 1700s

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Antique 18th century table snuff box, artisan made from local hardwood
The practice of taking snuff became popular around the … Read more Antique 18th century table snuff box, artisan made from local hardwood
The practice of taking snuff became popular around the seventeenth century.
This particular wooden snuff box is extremely old and was constructed to a very high standard.
It is a beautiful piece.
By the eighteenth century, snuff-taking was widespread throughout the world. Snuff boxes, sometimes highly ornamented, were worn as jewellery and given as valuable gifts.
It is thought that the use of snuff originated in Central and South America before the advent of the Spaniards. It is likely that they were the nation who first brought the habit to Europe.
Louis XIII of France forbade the use of snuff except as prescribed by physicians. Back then, they believed, as many still do, that snuff keeps one free from colds and gives relief from catarrh and similar complaints.
Tsar Michael I of Russia decreed that smokers should be whipped for the first offence and executed for the second, whilst snuff takers should be treated rather more leniently - they were merely to have their noses cut off! See less