Snuff boxes were first made in the late 1600s. “Snuffing” was a practice of both commoners and aristocrats. That means that the surviving snuff boxes can be worth anywhere from $100 to one million dollars. Snuff boxes are a lot like jewelry. It doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor, you probably have some. Back in the day, if you snuffed, then you had a snuff box. Some boxes were purely utilitarian and others were statements of wealth and prestige.
Snuff is pulverized tobacco that is inhaled instead of smoked. The practice of snuffing was popular from the 1600s to the 1800s. A snuff box is simply a container in which the pulverized tobacco was kept. It was small and usually portable. Antique snuff boxes are extremely collectible and occasionally quite valuable. The “golden age” of the snuff box is generally considered to be 1730 – 1830.
Our site is set up to help you identify and value your snuff box. If you need help appraising your box, then just ask. We are always happy to help, and there is never a charge. All information is freely given.