{"product_id":"antique-british-burr-walnut-snuff-box-1820-1860","title":"Antique Burr Walnut Octagonal Snuff Box | Circa 1820–1860","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Britain, likely England\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Figured burr walnut with dark wood, likely ebony, stringing and inset decoration\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early–Mid 19th Century, circa 1820–1860\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA handsome early-to-mid 19th-century pocket snuff box of elongated octagonal form, finely constructed from richly figured burr walnut and accented with contrasting dark stringing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compact rectangular body is formed with canted corners, producing the characteristic faceted or octagonal cross-section. Each surface displays strongly figured timber with swirling grain, knots and naturally mottled coloration ranging from golden honey and amber to deep brown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNarrow dark bands, likely ebony stringing, articulate the edges and terminal sections of the box, providing an elegant contrast against the warm walnut. The upper surface incorporates a long fitted hinged lid, itself selected from particularly attractive figured wood and centered by a small circular dark inset, apparently ebony or another contrasting hardwood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lid lifts to reveal a deep, elongated single compartment with a darkened interior. Its uncomplicated interior and convenient pocket-sized proportions are consistent with its original function as a personal snuff box, intended to hold a quantity of finely powdered tobacco while protecting it from moisture and accidental loss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lid and body were carefully shaped so that the exterior reads as a continuous architectural form when closed, with rounded terminal sections softening the otherwise geometric construction. The combination of burr walnut, dark stringing and faceted construction gives this diminutive utilitarian object considerably greater visual refinement than an ordinary tobacco container.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Elongated octagonal or canted rectangular form\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Richly figured burr walnut construction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Contrasting dark wood stringing, likely ebony\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Small circular dark inset to the lid\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Hinged lift-up cover\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Deep single snuff compartment\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Rounded terminal sections\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Attractive golden-brown natural patina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Compact pocket-sized proportions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Fine example of British decorative treen\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Strong natural figuring throughout the timber\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSnuff-taking became deeply embedded in European social culture from the 18th century onward. A snuff box therefore served not merely as a container but as a personal accessory, frequently reflecting the owner's taste and social position.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWooden snuff boxes occupy a particularly interesting place within the tradition of treen—the collective term used for small functional objects fashioned principally from wood. Figured burr timbers were valued because no two sections produced identical patterns, allowing even a relatively modest everyday object to possess a distinctive decorative character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood antique condition with wear consistent with age and historical use. The exterior displays scattered surface scratches, small marks, minor abrasions and areas of finish wear, together with the warm patination expected of a handled wooden object of this age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome minor separation, irregularity and wear are visible around the stringing, joints and edges. The interior exhibits darkening and wear consistent with prolonged use. The hinged lid remains present and functional. Natural variations, knots and imperfections within the burr timber are characteristic of the material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLength: 3.25 in\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 1.2 in\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 1.2 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e165–205 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the Estate of Henry and Ann Soukup. Henry L. “Hank” Soukup and his wife, Ann Butler Soukup, were longtime antiques enthusiasts who founded The Lair Antiques together in 1965, establishing a decades-long connection with the antiques trade and collecting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubsequently handled by Diederich Auction Gallery, Winchester, Kentucky, an auction house specializing in fine antiques, estate collections, fine art, and other historically significant material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSee a comparable English walnut snuff box in the collection of the \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk\/objects\/co158055\/walnut-snuff-box\" title=\"Walnut Snuff Box – Science Museum Group\"\u003eScience Museum Group\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/functional-tools-ancient-implements-craft\" title=\"Functional Tools, Ancient Implements and Historic Craft – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\"\u003eCollection of Functional Tools, Ancient Implements \u0026amp; Historic Craft\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56180296974658,"sku":null,"price":325.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/First_photo_design_89.jpg?v=1789596688","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/es\/products\/antique-british-burr-walnut-snuff-box-1820-1860","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}