Presentation Gold Snuff Box with Agate Cover

Silversmith James Erskine (Aberdeen, Scotland, active 1790 - 1818)

Datec. 1810

Object NameSnuff Box

Mediumgold, agate

ClassificationsApplied Art

DimensionsLength: 7.2 cm, Width: 4.8 cm
Weight: 97.26gm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1984 with assistance from the Friends of Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG001332

Keywords

About MeScottish gold snuff boxes from the early 19th century are rare. The inscription on the base of the box tells us that it was presented in 1811 to William Knight by a group of students at Marischal College. The gift was an expression of their thanks for his teaching and a generous token of their support. Knight had failed to be appointed Professor of Natural History by the Marischal College Senatus, after a heated and bitter debate. Knight did go on to a successful academic career leading to his appointment as Professor of Natural Philosophy at Marischal in 1823, a post which he held until his retirement in 1844. He also lectured in Botany at an experimental Joint Medical School which grew from the increasing need for the two Aberdeen Universities (King's and Marischal) to provide adequate teaching for medical students.