Snuff box from the mess plate of the 88th Regiment of Foot (Connaught Rangers), 1793 (c)

This silver snuff box is hallmarked with a lion assay mark. Divided into two compartments, it bears the Irish harp, crown and a sphinx on the sides. Most items of mess plate were donated by officers when they joined or left the regiment, although objects were sometimes given when an officer married, for victory celebrations or as a forfeit for losing a bet or sporting contest.