“My Love to Mrs. Brackett, beg her to Remain with you, I really Regard her.”

- John Hancock, writing to his wife Dorothy from Yorktown.

Snuff boxes stored a form of powdered tobacco which was consumed via inhalation through the nostrils. In the 18th century, snuff was widely used in colonial areas with strong European ties, such as Boston. Created through a process that layered metal with enamel, this box delivered the look of a porcelain box without the hefty price.

Family tradition states that this box belonged to housekeeper Mrs. Brackett, a gift from Govenor John Hancock, her employer. According to Hancock’s correspondence, a Mrs. Brackett stayed with John's wife, Dorothy, and watched over their son, John. Mrs. Brackett was clearly held in high esteem by the Hancocks: in addition to the snuffbox, she also received a silver decorated coconut goblet and a monogrammed sheet from the family.

All images are courtesy of The Bostonian Society.