The silver box has fascinated and intrigued collectors for many centuries. The term box covers any receptacle (unless it is a vessel) whether it is a snuffbox, a pyx or a lancet case, as long as it possesses a lid, hinged or otherwise. The usual snuffboxes and vinaigrettes appear in plenty but they have been carefully selected to show the ingenuity of silver craftsmen. More importantly perhaps we find the splendid variety of 'special purpose' silver boxes: religious, dental and medical, skippet and seal, Masonic, jewel caskets, sweetmeat boxes, pomanders - there is even the unique sumptuous Henry VII 'Barber-Surgeon's case' of circa 1512 with its glowing enamels.