I collect loads of things and my latest obsession is snuff boxes. I have a wooden and bone carved Georgian boot, with gambling tavern dice secreted in its tiny heel.  I often go to the V&A and see some of the finest ever made and dream of the life I should have had...

Snuff-taking was popular in Britain from the late 17th century with both men and women. These small portable boxes meant individuals could be sure they always had snuff to hand, wherever they were. Even so, on social occasions larger containers would be passed around the table after dinner. The essential ingredient of snuff is powdered tobacco. A pinch of snuff should be held to the nose and sharply inhaled. Throughout the 18th century the snuff box was a fashionable accessory for the well-dressed Georgian, a partner to his sword, his watch and his shoe buckles. Early snuff boxes contained a grater for breaking down the blocks of compressed powdered snuff and spices, such as cloves and cinnamon, that were imported from the West Indies. 

Here are some beauties I particularly like: