Description

A good antique sterling silver box with a cast decorative border and engine turned detail. Very attractive scroll, leaf and flower ornament. With the original bright gilt interior. The top has a presentation inscription from the Ancient Order of Romans.

Weight 160 grams, 5.1 cms.
Height 2.75cm. Top measures 8.5 x 5.75cm.
Birmingham 1830.
Maker Thomas Spicer.

Marks. Stamped inside the lid with a full set of English silver hallmarks.

Literature: Grinding tobacco leaves in order to inhale the powder dates from the mid 17th century in Europe however the first snuff boxes don’t seem to have appeared in the UK until the reign of William III circa 1695.

Signed/Inscribed: The inscription reads “Presented to Edward Parsons Esq by the Grand Senate of the Ancient Order of Romans as an acknowledgement of his kind Literary contribution at the Foundation of this Order. Leeds 1834”. Probably the same Thomas Parsonswho was author of “The Leeds, Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford, Wakefield, Dresbury, Otley and The Manufacturing District of Yorkshire” published in 1833. A new type of ‘friendly’ society appeared in the 18th century. Many of these such as the Odd Fellows, Druids, Foresters, etc had their origins in the same place as Freemasonry and ‘trade unions’ The Ancient Order of Romans’ began its ‘official’ history in 1833, ‘All for One, One for All’ its motto, with no connection being attempted with the Stukeley ‘club’ of similar name the previous century.

This charming box has been well cared for. It's in very good condition. The internal gilt is original and bright. The hand engraving is clear.

Maker: Thomas Spicer

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