Revolutionary War Porcelain Snuff Box, ca. 1765 – 1790 (SOLD)

This is another great early piece being offered; it is a Revolutionary War era snuff box, ca. 1765 – 1790. The porcelain rectangular box measures 2 ½” x 2” x 1 ¼” and has a beautiful bucolic scene with splendid colored insects surrounding the sides and bottom.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries snuff production boomed, far outstripping smoking tobacco (or its US sibling, chewing tobacco). And it was even recommended by doctors as a general cure-all, particularly effective in the treatment of coughs, colds, and headaches.

Many Revolutionary War soldiers (both American and British) carried snuff in their haversacks in containers or would wrap it in a handkerchief, sock, or a small horn or wooden box. In "Collector's Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution", there are examples of snuff boxes. However, an example such as this would not belong to the average citizen or soldier, it is an elaborate, detailed piece and would belong to an officer or well-to-do upper-class individuals.

During the 1700s, a box such as this would indicate a persons status when opened at a party or gathering. In this time period, people with wealth wanted others to be aware of their hierarchy of prestige.

This unique box has spider lines throughout but is in very nice overall condition. There is also some original snuff remaining inside. In the Colonial Williamsburg Museum in Virginia, there is an example of this snuff box (see pictures). They are well known for their exquisite museum standard objects.