Cigar box; London, c. 1903

Cigar box; London, c. 1903
Oak wood, cedar wood, sterling silver mounts.
Features punches
Maker: John Bagshaw & Sons
Measurements: 24 x 32,5 x 23,5 cm.

Cigar box in oak and cedar interior; drawer and sliding door system operating simultaneously. Handle, lock and hardware in silver. Plaque with dedication: "Presented to W.H. Moulsdale as a token of esteem from Mrs. J.W. Shofield & Family - 25th December. Shofield & Family - 25th December 1908."

Throughout history, tobacco has played a significant role in various cultures, not only as a consumer product, but also as a ritual, economic and social symbol. Its introduction into Europe after contact with America marked the beginning of a practice that soon spread globally, influencing everything from aristocratic customs to popular rituals. In this context, objects used for smoking, such as pipes, acquired a relevance that transcended their practical functionality.