19TH C ANTIQUE HAND PAINTED Figural portrait hallmarked RUSSIAN TOBACCO BOX

Unavailable
Imagine all the places this box must have been to have ended up in the US after all these years? IT is a true ANTIQUE and it is very charming and HAND PAINTED .I believe the painting is of Russian peasants in a tavern of some sort. IT is considered to be a TOBACCO or tinder BOX. Historic records show that English merchants brought the first tobacco to Russia in 1585 but was banned in 1634 (some assert that the Great Moscow Fire of that year was caused by a smoking accident).Regaining strength, the industry flourished in 1697 and Russia launched its own production of tobacco. It measures 6-1/4 inches wide x 4 inches deep x 2 inches high. Inside is is hallmarked as seen in the photo which is not very easy to make out. There is honest wear on it as you can see in the photo.PLease remember that vintage & antique items are not mint, nor are they perfect but they sure are full of old history and charm.Please use photos to make your decisions

Item Details

Reference #:
jpb6402
Quantity
1
Category
Alcohol & Tobacco
SubCategory
Tobacco & Smoking
Department
Antiques (approx100yrs)
Year
1800's
Dimensions
(Width x Height X Depth)
x x
Weight
Unknown
Condition
as is
Material