Today's Object of the Week is an extremely rare snuffbox that bears the image of one of the most famous people in history.
One of the prize exhibits in the Green Howards Museum in Richmond, North Yorkshire, is also one of its smallest.
Sitting in a glass display case in one of the regimental museum's exhibition rooms is a gold snuffbox, oval in shape and just four inches long.
In the centre of the box is a miniature enamel portrait of one of the most notorious leaders in world history - Napoleon Bonaparte
This snuffbox was presented to Marshal Michel Ney, one of the French commanders at the Battle of Waterloo, by Napoleon as a mark of affection. Of the five given as gifts by Napoleon, this is one of only two surviving examples.
The snuffbox was taken from Ney’s baggage at the end of the battle, probably by a British soldier. It was later presented to Captain William Cameron of the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards. Cameron’s family later gave the snuffbox to the regiment.
The box is made of gold. It was made in Paris by Pierre-Andre Montauban between 1808 and 1814.
The side of the box is decorated with a floral design on a peacock blue background, interspersed with bees - Napoleon’s personal symbol. The base is decorated in a similar style, featuring stars.
For many years the snuffbox was used at regimental dinners. At the end of a meal the box was passed between diners so that they could take a pinch of snuff. Snuff is made from pulverized tobacco and inhaled or ‘snuffed’ into the nostrils; delivering a swift nicotine hit.
The safe keeping of the snuffbox was paramount. One officer recalls being told to sleep with it in a sock tied round his neck.
In 2009 it was decided that the risk of the box being damaged during mess dinners was too great. It was time for the snuffbox to begin a new life on display in the museum.
Steve Erskine, specialist researcher at the Green Howards Museum, said: "In itself the snuffbox is a beautiful work of art but it’s the physical connection to Napoleon and Ney that excites me.
"When I was about six I went on a school trip to Hadrian’s Wall.
Read about previous Objects here:
- Brutal tool 'persuaded' lazy Royal Navy sailors to work faster
- Lucky escape match case at Green Howards Museum, Richmond
- The story of ‘the man on the hoss’ statue in Durham
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"I remember being mesmerised at touching the wall, something a Roman had touched all those years before.
"That sense of ‘touching history’ has never left me so, to hold the snuff box, which may have been held by Napoleon and Ney and could have been in the baggage train on the field of Waterloo is just amazing."
For more information about the snuffbox and The Green Howards Museum, visit the website at greenhowards.org.uk
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