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The other type of silver box are snuff boxes. They were used in the 17th – 18th centuries and were also a fashionable item, becoming symbols of wealth and status. They were used to hold snuff which is a finely ground form of tobacco which was sniffed or inhaled. Prolonged exposure to air meant it could dry out and lose its quality so snuff boxes had to be as airtight as possible. They ranged in materials and sizes – there were pocket boxes for personal use and communal boxes for tables. People from all social classes used them at the...

Vinaigrettes – which comes from the French for vinegar – are small, hinged boxes which were popular in the 18th – 19th centuries. They have a grill inside to hold a sponge in place which was soaked in different perfumes or aromatic vinegar. This masked unpleasant smells which were common in the crowded urban environments of that time, and they became a fashionable accessory to own. They could be hung from chains and bracelets or carried around in purses to be held under the nose when needed. The interiors of the sterling silver boxes were often gilded to protect them...

Vesta Cases are small containers designed to hold the early form of friction matches. The matches first appeared in the 1830’s and were patented by William Newton. He named them ‘Vestas’ after the Roman goddess of the hearth who symbolised fire and home. Because of the matches ability to be easily lighted, they needed a case to prevent accidental ignition and to protect from moisture and damage. Vesta cases were often engraved with intricate designs and details – some were produced to commemorate important events. The more expensive had a gold wash interior to prevent corrosion from the chemicals in...

What is a Pearl? A pearl is a natural secretion, mainly of crystalline calcium carbonate, that forms around an irritation inside the shell of an oyster. Natural Pearls In naturally formed pearls the irritation is usually a grain of sand or a piece of plankton.  By the end of the 19th century there were hardly any natural pearls left in the world. Cultured Pearls In the early 20th century the Japanese started inserting small beads of 'mother of pearl' into oysters.  This 'cultivating' or farming of pearls became a big business led by the Mikimoto Pearl Company creating Akoya seawater...

  Marston Barrett have been serving customers since 1938 and this week we are celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day, with a display of 126 poppies representing the men who gave their lives and are named on the war memorial in Lewes. In our display we have pictures of Sidney Fisk, his sister Doris, his great friend Johny Campbell and the infantry boys from the DCLI (Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry) Regiment. Sid joined the territorial army in 1940 at the age of 15 and went onto serve in the 7th battalion of the Royal Hampshires, DCLI and RASC...