Description:
An exceptional, collector-grade antique Edwardian
Welsh miner’s brass snuff box dating to exactly 1901. Carried underground by
Welsh coal miners or slate quarriers who chewed tobacco or used snuff because
smoking was strictly forbidden due to explosion risks, this oval box is a
remarkable piece of turn-of-the-century industrial folk art and Welsh social
history.
The lid is deeply and crisply hand-stamped with the
owner's name 'DAVID JONES' and the date '1901', showing no significant wear to
the historic lettering. The box survives with a gorgeous, uncleaned natural
patina on the exterior and authentic historic tobacco/snuff residue darkening
the interior base. A pristine, unaltered piece perfect for serious tobacciana
or mining memorabilia collectors.
Condition Report:
Excellent antique condition overall. The lid fits very snugly and securely when
closed. The internal hinge mechanism remains fully functional and
smooth-moving. When fully open, there is very slight, age-typical play/movement
in the hinge. On the top side of the hinge, there are two small, typical
production or age-related gaps measuring approximately 1mm x 4mm, which do not
affect the closing integrity or strength of the box. Free of major dents or
structural damage.
The lid measures 67mm wide, 48 mm high, the box is
22mm thick.
