Antique Victorian ormolu and banded agate lidded snuffbox objets de vertu

Snuffboxes fall into the enticing category of "objects de vertu," which is defined by the Antique Jewelry University as "small luxury objects that are not termed jewelry in the strictest sense of the word." These small, personal objects were functional and also artfully made. Cigarette cases, snuffboxes, vinaigrettes, pill boxes, match safes, etc. all fall into this category. 

Snuffboxes - which were used for holding snuff, or scented tobacco - range in design and style from extraordinarily elaborate and luxurious (think Fabergé) to quite modest. This round ormolu and agate lidded box is a great example of a more practical version, likely carried by an English or American gentleman in the early-mid 19th century. The polished, banded agate lids are fitted into a decorative ormolu (brassy-toned) hinging frame. The banding is high contrast, dark and light: charcoal black bands with chocolate brown, khaki tan and fondant white. This is the only round box in our 20+ box collection! 

Measurements: 1 1/4 x 1 1/4 x 3/4", 24 grams
Era: Early-Mid Victorian, ca. 1840s-1870s
Markings: N/A

£0.00
Payment Details

A 6% sales tax will be collected on orders shipped to our guests in Michigan.

Layaway is offered through the ShopPay checkout option! Select ShopPay and pay in 4 interest-free installments. You will receive your purchase without delay as in traditional layaway.

Shipping

Domestic: In-stock items ship within three days of purchase (usually within two!) via USPS. Our default is USPS Priority Mail unless your purchase is over $1,000, in which case we require USPS Express Mail + signature confirmation. Insurance is included with all domestic purchases.

International: Default shipping is via USPS First Class International Mail unless the value of the parcel is $400 or more, in which case we default to USPS Priority Mail International shipping. Please allow 3–4 weeks for delivery. Insurance for international orders is available upon request and for an added fee.

Click here for our full shipping policy.

Need it in a hurry? Want to send it to a sneaky location? Prefer a different carrier than what you see here? Get in touch!

Returns & Exchanges

Your experience at Jean Jean Vintage is 100% guaranteed. If you are disappointed with your shopping experience or your purchase for any reason, please give us the opportunity to make it right for you!

Click here for details on returns, refunds, and exchanges.

×