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24

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36658657624199 36658657656967_hover

Eligible for Free Gift Wrapping

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German Mother of Pearl Snuff Box

$68,500

37687520428167 37687520460935_hover

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Duke and Duchess of Windsor Gold Snuff Box

$58,500

36658657394823 36658657427591_hover

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Swiss Gold Musical Snuff Box

$34,500

37204891631751 37204891664519_hover

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Micromosaic Snuff Box

$34,200

31490189852807 31490189885575_hover
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Green Jasper and Gold Egg Snuff Box

$30,000

36658301927559 36658301960327_hover

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Art Deco Sapphire and Enamel Cigarette Case

$29,850

37761569489031 37761569521799_hover

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18th-Century English Agate Snuff Box

Price Upon Request

36658570002567 36658570035335_hover

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Louis XV Mother-of-Pearl Snuffbox

$19,850

36658307858567 36658307891335_hover

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French Chinoiserie Hardstone Snuff Box

$16,850

36658677219463 36658677252231_hover

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Montesquieu Portrait Tortoiseshell Snuff Box

$14,500

36658591432839 36658591465607_hover

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English Gold and Hardstone Snuff Box

$9,850

36658666209415 36658666242183_hover

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Erotic Snuff Box 

$7,850

36658665980039 36658666012807_hover

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Burlwood Erotic Snuff Box 

$7,850

32258550005895 32258550038663_hover
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Agate Neoclassical Gold Snuff Box

$1,050

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Gold and Agate Specimen Snuff Box

$1,050

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Rectangular Black Agate Snuff Box

$1,050

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Black Agate Snuff Box

$1,050

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Red Agate Snuff Box

$1,050

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Agate Specimen Snuff Box

$1,050

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Neoclassical Agate and Gold Snuff Box

$1,050

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Agate Neoclassical Snuff Box

$1,050

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Black Agate and Gold Snuff Box

$1,050

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Brown Agate Snuff Box

$1,050

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Agate Snuff Box

$1,050

Antique Snuff Boxes

Manufacturers of snuff boxes, as makers of one of the most fashionable luxury items during the 16th and 17th centuries, were regarded as artists. Master artisans created and designed these elegant little boxes using fine metals, numerous rare and beautiful woods, porcelain, ivory, tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl, precious gems and other luxurious materials.

 
The taking of snuff was a highly regarded social ritual among the European elite. With notable exception, snuff and other forms of tobacco were condemned by such personages as King James I of England, who wrote a famous counterblast against the herb, and Czar Michael of Russia, who decreed in 1634 that snuff takers were to have their noses cut off. However, popularity of snuffing flourished, thanks to the curious habit of sneezing that rose among the privileged classes. Only the rich and idle, so it was believed, had the time to sneeze or could afford snuff. Sneezing became part of conversation. One sneezed as punctuation, to show disinterest, boredom or disapproval. As a result, anything "not to be sneezed at" was considered worthwhile. 
 

Shop important and captivating antique snuff boxes at M.S. Rau. Our selection of exquisite and unique pieces includes items crafted in porcelain, gold, enamel, quartz and many other fine finishes. Whether you're searching for an art deco style box or a charming musical snuff box, browse our expertly curated collection today.

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