A Victorian 19th Century Brass Miners Chewing Tobacco Box WILLIAM GERMAN 1899

A 19th century Victorian Oval Brass Miners Tobacco box for carrying Tobacco to chew, the hinged cover engraved WILLIAM GERMAN 1899. In the 19th century miners often chewed tobacco, a practice which saved many lives, for they spat out the injurious coal dust with the tobacco juice. Measuring 6.5 cm x 4 cm x 2 cm and weighs 55.8 grams. In good antique condition. It has obviously been used a lot, the box opens shuts well, there are a few dings, scratches, fading. All commensurate of age and use. A great piece of mining history.