Navette-shaped copper and silver tobacco box commemorating HMS Thorn
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1793
This antique, hand-crafted tobacco box is constructed in a distinctive navette shape, featuring a copper body accented with silver components. The box includes decorative silver end pieces that test at approximately 58 parts silver.
An applied silver plaque is mounted on the top, displaying a monogram and a date that appears to be 1793. The surface of the copper lid is embellished with an etched design. The base of the box features an etching depicting the ship 'HMS Thorn'. The box includes a hinged top and weighs 65.47 grams, measuring approximately 3 3/4 inches in width. Accompanying the piece is historical documentation regarding the HMS Thorn, a 14-gun sloop launched in 1779 that served in various naval engagements during the late 18th century.
The combination of materials and maritime motif highlights its function as a commemorative personal accessory typical of the period.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Width
- 3 3/4 inches
- Weight
- 65.47 grams
- Material
- copper and silver
Technical characteristics
- Mechanism
- hinged top
Design
- Shape
- navette
- Obverse
- applied silver monogram plaque, etched design
- Reverse
- etching of the ship HMS Thorn
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.