Pair of spice boxes 1709 - 1710

These spice boxes were crafted in London by David Willaume I, a silversmith of Huguenot descent. The boxes provide a glimpse into the social and cultural history of the time. The spice boxes are made of silver, a precious metal often associated with wealth and status during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. This could reflect the economic structures and social classes of the time. London, as a major center for trade and craftsmanship, provided an environment for artisans like Willaume to create luxury items for a wealthy clientele. The level of detail on the lids and the fact that they came in pairs, speak to the elite status of the original owner. To understand the meaning of these boxes more fully, we would need to investigate probate records and other documents of ownership from the period. The historian's role is to research the original cultural context and institutional history of these beautiful objects.