Skip to product information
Georgian Tobacco Honesty Box
Georgian Tobacco Honesty Box
Georgian Tobacco Honesty Box
Georgian Tobacco Honesty Box
Georgian Tobacco Honesty Box
Georgian Tobacco Honesty Box

Buy With Confidence

For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.

On Approval

On Approval

Examine select works in person before you commit

125% Guarantee

125% Guarantee

Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years

Trusted Expertise

Trusted Expertise

Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists

Learn More

Georgian Tobacco Honesty Box

  • This fascinating device is known as an honesty box and dates the early 19th century
  • Comprised of a double-hinged lid and two compartments, it was made to serve pipe tobacco
  • After inserting a coin, one could open the lid to take an "honest" amount of tobacco for the price
  • Crafted of brass, the coveted contraption is a charming relic of a bygone age
  • Get complete item description here
$7,850
Item No. 31-1847

To speak to one of our experts, call 1-888-711-8084

Description
This rare brass box would have been a coveted contraption in the finest English pubs of the 18th and 19th centuries. Known as an “honesty” box, the rectangular brass box features a double-hinged lid and two compartments, one for coins and one for tobacco. After a coin is inserted into the slot and the button is pressed, the ingenious device opens to reveal the compartment full of pipe tobacco. Pub owners relied on the “honesty”. . .
Read More
This rare brass box would have been a coveted contraption in the finest English pubs of the 18th and 19th centuries. Known as an “honesty” box, the rectangular brass box features a double-hinged lid and two compartments, one for coins and one for tobacco. After a coin is inserted into the slot and the button is pressed, the ingenious device opens to reveal the compartment full of pipe tobacco. Pub owners relied on the “honesty” of their patrons to only take one pinch of tobacco per half-penny coin, which is how the charming piece earned its moniker.

This example stands on turned feet and includes a carrying handle for extra convenience. Many such pieces have been lost to time, so to find an original box in working condition is truly outstanding.

Circa 1820

9 1/2" wide x 4 3/4" deep x 7 1/4" high
Read Less
Georgian Tobacco Honesty Box
Period: 19th Century
Origin: England
Type: Tobacco Accessories
Depth: 4.63 in. (11.75 cm)
Width: 9.5 in. (24.13 cm)
Height: 7.0 in. (17.78 cm)

Buy With Confidence

For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.

On Approval

On Approval

Examine select works in person before you commit

125% Guarantee

125% Guarantee

Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years

Trusted Expertise

Trusted Expertise

Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists

Learn More

The M.S. Rau Difference

Bill Rau

Bill Rau Third-Generation Owner

Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry, and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning your trust and delivering only the very best pieces is our top priority.

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, M.S. Rau can support you on this journey.