Before the introduction of cigarettes, loose tobbaco was sold, at this same time snuff was also used, this would be made from grinding tobbaco to a fine powder, which would be inhaled through the nostrils, unlike tobbaco which had to be placed in a receptacle such as a pipe and then ignited before smoking. Snuff and tobbaco boxes came in all shapes and materials from the early Chinese snuff bottles, to very basic plain tins.
 
This is a large tobacco box in the shape of a barrel, because of its size, this would have been used in a household with several smokers, or a tavern. It is constructed with a brass band around the top of the barrel to keep its shape, it also has a wooden lid to keep the tobacco fresh. It is a country piece and would be in a humble household.
 
The condition of the barrel is good, the lid has some tiny chips to the inside edge.
 
Dimensions: 25cm x 16cm