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Georgian Tobacco Honesty Box
Georgian Tobacco Honesty Box
Georgian Tobacco Honesty Box
Georgian Tobacco Honesty Box
Georgian Tobacco Honesty Box
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Georgian Tobacco Honesty Box

  • This fascinating device is known as an honesty box and dates the early 19th century
  • Comprised of a double-hinged lid and two compartments, it was made to serve pipe tobacco
  • After inserting a coin, one could open the lid to take an "honest" amount of tobacco for the price
  • Crafted of brass, the coveted contraption is a charming relic of a bygone age
  • Get complete item description here
$7,850
Item No. 31-1847

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Description
This rare brass box would have been a coveted contraption in the finest English pubs of the 18th and 19th centuries. Known as an “honesty” box, the rectangular brass box features a double-hinged lid and two compartments, one for coins and one for tobacco. After a coin is inserted into the slot and the button is pressed, the ingenious device opens to reveal the compartment full of pipe tobacco. Pub owners relied on the “honesty”. . .
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This rare brass box would have been a coveted contraption in the finest English pubs of the 18th and 19th centuries. Known as an “honesty” box, the rectangular brass box features a double-hinged lid and two compartments, one for coins and one for tobacco. After a coin is inserted into the slot and the button is pressed, the ingenious device opens to reveal the compartment full of pipe tobacco. Pub owners relied on the “honesty” of their patrons to only take one pinch of tobacco per half-penny coin, which is how the charming piece earned its moniker.

This example stands on turned feet and includes a carrying handle for extra convenience. Many such pieces have been lost to time, so to find an original box in working condition is truly outstanding.

Circa 1820

9 1/2" wide x 4 3/4" deep x 7 1/4" high
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Georgian Tobacco Honesty Box
Period: 19th Century
Origin: England
Type: Tobacco Accessories
Depth: 4.63 in. (11.75 cm)
Width: 9.5 in. (24.13 cm)
Height: 7.0 in. (17.78 cm)
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

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M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

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For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

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Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

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