Antique Gilt Brass & Enamel Snuff Box with Heraldic Crest

This exquisite little 19th century snuff or pill box is adorned with a striking black enamel lid featuring a gilt double-headed eagle crest—a timeless emblem of European nobility and heraldry. The gilded brass frame and hinge elevate its elegance, while the deep enamel work provides a rich contrast that highlights the intricate detailing of the coat of arms.

Originally used to carry powdered snuff or small personal keepsakes, boxes like this were prized not only for their function but as fashionable accessories, often displayed as a mark of refinement and taste. Today, it stands as a collectible decorative piece, perfect for display in a cabinet of curiosities or styled among other small trinkets.

Materials & Craftsmanship

• Gilt brass body and mountings
• Black enamel lid with applied gilt heraldic crest
• Hinged construction

Origin & Era

• Likely Austrian or German origin (heraldic double eagle motif strongly associated with the Austro-Hungarian Empire)
• Mid-to-late 19th century (c. 1850s–1890s)

Condition Notes

In excellent antique condition with bright enamel and only the faintest age wear to the gilt surfaces. Hinge remains functional and secure.