This tobacco box was likely made in France in the end of the 19th Century. Its larger size means that this box was not made to carry around in your pocket - as with smaller known examples - but likely stood on a dresser or coffee table. It could hold not only a supply of tobacco, but is also big enough to also hold a small pipe to smoke it with.
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 your supply, or to proudly display it in your home. This particular box was very suitable to stand in a chic interior, and would also display the owner's wealth and taste.
It is made from horn, which was compressed, molded into shape, and polished to a high sheen. The original sheen has faded over the centuries, but the bottom, which has not been exposed to sunlight, interestingly still shows the original high gloss finish.
The sides are trimmed with a brass border, and the top of the lid is centered by a cabochon-cut agate in a brass setting. This agate is semi-translucent, which creates a beautiful display of colour and depth.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 14,5 x 17,7 x 3 cm.
Age: Late 18th Century, circa 1780s.
Condition: In antique condition with minor wear, consistent with its age. The exterior has some mild scuffs and marks. An interesting flaw to point out is a little dent in both the brass fitting and horn beneath the lid at the middle left side. This clearly is a very old dent, since years of use afterward have softened its curves.
Please note that this shop is based in the EU. Although antiques are exempt from taxes in most countries, buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import taxes.