Snuff-box, Germany, 1740-50
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1740-50
Snuff-box, Germany, 1740-50 is an object recorded by Victoria and Albert Museum, dated 1740-50. The museum's brief description reads: Rock crystal with gold mounts, German, perhaps Freiburg-im-Breisgau or Frankfurt; 1740-50; unmarked. Museum description: Snuff-box. Carved rock crystal, scroll shaped, mounted in gold. The museum record gives material recorded as rock crystal, gold; measurements Length 2.25 in; Width 1.875 in; place associated: Germany. These details come from the holding museum's own record; how far this object represents a wider collectible type has not yet been independently verified.
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.
Historical context
The essential ingredient of snuff is powdered tobacco. A pinch of snuff is held to the nose and sharply inhaled. Throughout the 18th century the snuff box was a fashionable accessory for the well-dressed man, a partner to his sword, his watch and his buckles. Boxes were made of many materials, ranging from horn and tortoiseshell to porcelain, silver and gold.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- rock crystal, gold
- Dimensions
- Length 2.25 in; Width 1.875 in
Technical characteristics
- Technique
- Rock crystal
- Place recorded
- Germany
Identification
- Museum object name
- Snuff-box
- Museum object number
- 859-1882
- Museum system number
- O164160
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: confirm materials, dimensions, maker and wider type against the holding institution and a specialist reference.