51/677/1-2

This lead tobacco box, with a separate lid, shows traces of black, green and gold paint. Tobacco was an expensive commodity and was usually kept in boxes or jars made of lead, cast iron, pewter or brass, to keep it moist and in good condition. Nothing is known of the origins of this tobacco box.

1 tobacco box: metal (lead); good condition

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'Tobacco was introduced into England in the late 16th century and the habit of smoking grew very quickly. Tobacco jars and boxes are therefore found from the time of Sir Walter Raleigh onwards. Owing to the high cost of tobacco, it was usually kept in boxes or jars of lead, cast iron, pewter or brass, to ensure that it was moist and in the best condition. // This is a very plain round jar made of lead, with a separate lid. It measures 5 inches in height and 4 inches in diameter. It shows traces of having been painted black, green and gold.', Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) - 'A list of the contents of the East Hendred museum. July 5 1940 // 463. An early round lead tobacco jar.'

Rippon, Miss Dorothy May Lyddon (Agent)