Tobacco box

Art Historical Context

This elegant silver tobacco box, crafted by London silversmith John Abbott in 1706–7, reflects the refined tastes of early eighteenth-century Britain during the reign of Queen Anne. Measuring just 3¾ inches in length, the compact form was designed for portability, allowing its owner to carry finely shredded tobacco in style. As a luxury item made from precious silver, it served both practical and status-symbol purposes in an era when tobacco use had become a fashionable social ritual among the British elite. The box’s engraved decoration of birds and a coat of arms highlights its personalized...