Freemason Carved Bone Snuff Box | Napoleonic War POW Folk Art | Circa 1800
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: United Kingdom (crafted by French POWs)
Material: Hand-carved bone with iron pins
Period: Napoleonic Wars (circa 1795–1815)
Description
This finely carved snuff box showcases the remarkable craftsmanship attributed to French prisoners of war held in Britain during the Napoleonic Wars. The arched lid is deeply engraved with Masonic iconography, including the Square and Compasses, the All-Seeing Eye, celestial symbols of the Sun and Moon, and paired architectural columns—motifs central to Freemasonry. The hinged lid opens smoothly to reveal a hollowed compartment once used for storing snuff or other small valuables. Such boxes were often traded with locals or guards in exchange for food, tobacco, or favors, making each piece a testament to the resilience, ingenuity, and symbolic devotion of its maker.
Features
- Hand-carved from bovine bone
- Deeply incised Masonic symbols: Square & Compasses, All-Seeing Eye, Pillars, Sun and Moon
- Hinged lid secured with original iron pins
- Rope-pattern edgework around sides and base
- Smooth, aged patina developed over two centuries
Cultural Significance
Freemasonry carried profound cultural and fraternal significance in the 18th and 19th centuries. For prisoners, crafting such pieces was not only an act of skill but also a way to preserve identity, communicate belonging, and sustain spiritual endurance under captivity. This snuff box embodies both the esoteric symbolism of Freemasonry and the lived history of Napoleonic-era POWs.
Condition
Excellent antique condition with age-consistent wear. Hinge remains functional and stable. Minor discoloration to the interior and edges. Warm polished patina throughout.
Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 2.75 in
Width: 2 in
Age
Approx. 210–225 years old
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: United Kingdom (crafted by French POWs)
Material: Hand-carved bone with iron pins
Period: Napoleonic Wars (circa 1795–1815)
Description
This finely carved snuff box showcases the remarkable craftsmanship attributed to French prisoners of war held in Britain during the Napoleonic Wars. The arched lid is deeply engraved with Masonic iconography, including the Square and Compasses, the All-Seeing Eye, celestial symbols of the Sun and Moon, and paired architectural columns—motifs central to Freemasonry. The hinged lid opens smoothly to reveal a hollowed compartment once used for storing snuff or other small valuables. Such boxes were often traded with locals or guards in exchange for food, tobacco, or favors, making each piece a testament to the resilience, ingenuity, and symbolic devotion of its maker.
Features
- Hand-carved from bovine bone
- Deeply incised Masonic symbols: Square & Compasses, All-Seeing Eye, Pillars, Sun and Moon
- Hinged lid secured with original iron pins
- Rope-pattern edgework around sides and base
- Smooth, aged patina developed over two centuries
Cultural Significance
Freemasonry carried profound cultural and fraternal significance in the 18th and 19th centuries. For prisoners, crafting such pieces was not only an act of skill but also a way to preserve identity, communicate belonging, and sustain spiritual endurance under captivity. This snuff box embodies both the esoteric symbolism of Freemasonry and the lived history of Napoleonic-era POWs.
Condition
Excellent antique condition with age-consistent wear. Hinge remains functional and stable. Minor discoloration to the interior and edges. Warm polished patina throughout.
Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 2.75 in
Width: 2 in
Age
Approx. 210–225 years old
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