Collector’s Guide: From Vinaigrettes to Snuff Boxes
The decorative silver boxes crafted in 19th-century Birmingham remain a rewarding field for collectors. From vinaigrettes and snuff boxes to intricately detailed card cases, these pieces combine artistry, function and social history. Their wide range of forms and price points make them an ideal starting point for those building a collection, as well as a source of rare treasures for more seasoned buyers.
The Birmingham Box Makers
During the first half of the 19th century, Birmingham was home to several renowned silversmiths, including:
Nathaniel Mills
Joseph Wilmore
Samuel Pemberton
Edward Smith
John Thornton
These makers are known for their craftsmanship and creativity, with their work ranging from simple, affordable boxes to rare collector-grade items featuring detailed topographical scenes or unusual forms.
Vinaigrettes: Form and Function
A vinaigrette is a small, hinged box designed to hold a sponge soaked in aromatic vinegar or scented oil. These were commonly used to mask unpleasant odours encountered in daily life, especially in urban areas.
Collectors should look for:
Cast foliate rims
Rich engine-turned decoration
Ornately pierced internal grills
Unusual shapes or larger-than-average sizes
Examples of note include circular forms, agate insets, and watch case-style vinaigrettes, all of which show how these functional objects were also miniature expressions of design and taste.
The Elegance of the Snuff Box
As tobacco became fashionable in the 18th century, the snuff box became a highly personal and portable accessory. These boxes came in a variety of materials including:
Gold and silver
Porcelain and enamel
Tortoiseshell, agate, ivory and horn
Snuff boxes were not only practical but often served as tokens of affection or symbols of status. By the late 18th century, Birmingham silversmiths were producing large numbers of silver examples to meet the growing demand among the middle classes. These were often engraved with castle-top scenes, depicting famous British landmarks such as Windsor Castle, Abbotsford House or cathedrals and monuments.
Larger table snuff boxes also exist, some elaborately chased or engraved, and are sought after for their scale and decoration.
Card Cases: Victorian Innovation
As literacy grew and social etiquette became more formalised during the Victorian period, silver card cases became fashionable accessories for both men and women. These were often engraved or cast with architectural views, floral motifs or classical scenes.
Castle-top card cases are among the most valuable, particularly those depicting lesser-seen landmarks such as Eddystone Lighthouse in Cornwall. Rare examples can command several thousand pounds at auction.
What to Look Out For
When collecting silver boxes, condition and craftsmanship are key, but several additional factors can enhance desirability:
Presentation inscriptions, dedications or prize engravings
Family crests or coats of arms, especially when traceable
Named individuals, particularly those linked to historical events or public life
Provenance can significantly raise the appeal and value of a box, especially when linked to well-documented figures or important moments in history
Do you have a silver vinaigrette, snuff box or card case you’d like valued? Contact our Silver & Objects of Vertu department for a free and confidential valuation. Email Head of Department John Rogers at john.rogers@chiswickauctions.co.uk or submit an Online Valuation today.