Georgian Silver, Agate & Garnet Snuff Box

This tobacco box was likely made in Germany at the end of the 18th Century. The box and lid are carved from a translucent agate with white and black patterns. The bottom is carved into a stepped pattern, and the silver lid has been set with nine table-cut garnets. 

After the discovery of tobacco in the early 16th Century in South America, it quickly became a popular luxury product, ironically believed to have medicinal properties, that was both chewed and smoked. Over time, the use of tobacco became a form of ritual, to be enjoyed with friends and acquaintances.

Small luxurious boxes were developed to carry around or to display at home, and showed the owner’s wealth and good taste. 


GENERAL INFORMATION 

Size: 71 x 32 x 34 mm.

Weight: 79.84 grams. 

Age: Late 18th Century, circa 1780s.

Material: Mottled agate. The trimmings have been acid-tested as 800/1000 silver. 

Condition: In good antique condition with minor wear, consistent with age. Two of the garnets have chips: this can be seen in the pictures. 

Provenance: This box was auctioned at Sotheby’s Amsterdam on November 4th, 2002.