Antique Dutch 18th Century Engraved Brass Octagonal Tobacco Box

The ogtagonal brass tobacco box engraved on both sides with scenes from the New Testament. The scene in the middle, surrounded on both sides with the text and floral swags. The top on the hinged lid with the Dutch text:

Jezus komt van Galilei naar de Jordaan - tot Johannes om van hem gedoopt te worden Math.3 (3/13). Jesus arrived from Galilee to the Jordan, for John to be baptised by him Matthew 3:13. The bottom with the text:

Jezus van de Geest weggeleid in de woestijn - en wordt door de duivel verzocht Math.4.(4/1). The Spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the Devil (Matthew 4:1). The two sides with the text:      

Die zijn gezondheid wil bewaren - moet geen tabak noch pijpen sparen. Who wants to save his health - should not collect tobacco or pipes.

The Netherlands, 

about 1780.

Height:  3,4 cm. (1,3 inches.)

Length: 15 cm.  (5,9 inches.)

Width:   5,7 cm. (2,2 inches.)

Weight: 162 grams.