Dedicated To Tom Green The Highwayman & Dated 11th July 1791 – An 18th-Century English Antique Tortoiseshell Snuff Box

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE BOX FOR SALE. IMAGE 1 & 2 HAVE BEEN ALTERED & MERGED TO SHOW BOTH THE EXTERNAL & INTERNAL PARTS OF THE SAME BOX.

Tom Green, we understand, was a highwayman in the 18th Century based in Reigate Hill, Surrey, England.

His descendants, James and Ellen Green,  are recorded as being proprietors of The Old Yew Tree Inn, Reigate Hill, until at least 1912. A pub has stood at the site for the last 300 years. A mock Tudor pub building replaced the historic pub building about 1938. The pub finally closed its doors in 2020 to the public and has now changed use to a private dwelling.

The snuff, made from tortoiseshell is inscribed to the underside of the lid “Tom Green, Yew Tree Reigate Hill, 11th July 91′, May his soul rest in Hell, Damn his eyes, Buggeroo”. The underside of the base is also inscribed 11th July 1791).

Records indicate that a Thomas Green died in the Reigate area in 1791. We are unable to confirm whether it was through natural causes, hanging or another sinister way of death. 

The box is in very good order. The hinges are sound and the box closes firmly shut.

Provenace – Found in, Norwich, Norfolk.

Condition – Good as per the images. A further detailed condition report is available upon request.

Size – Length 9.5 cm x Width 4.5 cm x Height 3 cm (3.75″ x 1 3/4″ x 1 1/8″)