Late 17th Century Snuff box lid I dug - plus a non dug one

[smokeythecat]

I posted on this a couple weeks or so, I was at a colonial site not too far away and this deep signal woke me and the Deus up. Down I supposed 15" or so and on edge was a large, brass disc. With just water cleaning, I realized it was the lid to something, something very old. A 17th century house stood on this site, and these folks had money! View attachment IMG_1513.jpg

After some research, I determined it was the top to a locking table top tobacco box, late 17th century to first quarter 18th century. Now that will make your day.

Today the nice mail lady showed up and drove this up to my house. I found one for sale across the pond and here it is! It looks like the exact same one! Notice the bottom of the shiny one was hand forged from a solid piece of brass! Enjoy!

View attachment IMG_1509.jpg View attachment IMG_1510.jpg View attachment IMG_1512.jpg

 

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[Professor of Engineering]

Very cool find!

 

[Digger RJ]

Nice!!! Congrats!!!

 

[UnderMiner]

Very interesting!

 

[Inspector]

Congrats on the dig, and the find is a beauty

 

[smokeythecat]

It would be so cool if the bottom half was still on the site! After it stops raining, if that ever happens.

 

[Whyme]

Simply awesome!

 

[ConshyBoy]

Cool piece, all my mailman/woman bring are bills gotta have a talk with them

 

[xcopperstax]

That is a pretty incredible find. The "ancient aliens" people would probably tout this as proof that aliens visited the native Americans. Makes me wonder what snuff was made of back then? I'm guessing it was just tobacco leaves ground into a fine powder?

 

[smokeythecat]

I used to know what snuff was. I could look it up but want to get to the bank (yes it is closed today) and play with the ATM a bit. It also could have just contained ground tobacco for the pipes of the time. I'm hoping the bottom is still at the site.

 

[Raider19962]

That's one of the things I like about this website. I get to learn things you just won't get anywhere else. Now when I see one again, I'll know!

 

[lenmac65]

Very nice find. I like how you included a photo of the non-dug version too. Really helps me visualize what your vintage item would have looked like in its glory days. Congrats!

 

[smokeythecat]

Lenmac65, I'm hoping the bottom of the box is still on the site. The hinge pins were made of iron which rusted apart, therefore, there is a chance it's there...or someone already dug it.

 

[OreElse]

That's something that's probably not fount too often. Great find!

 

[smokeythecat]

BTW it is EXACTLY the same, down to the screw hole placement, apparently made the same person or business.

 

[A2coins]

Sweet find Smokey if its there I know you will find it. This is looking to be a great year for you my friend

 

[smokeythecat]

We went back to the site. I found parts of the bottom of the box which the plow got. Oh well.

 

[smokeythecat]

bump for a pal

 

[Eastcoasthunter21]

Very cool find for sure

 

[RVRoamer73]

That is a piece of art. Really a awesome find and also finding one across the pond just like it. I hope they weren't too proud of it.$$