The inscription on the cover reads: 'A Testimony of Gratitude, Esteem & Attachment from the OFFICERS of the MID LOTHIAN REGIMENT to their Much Respected Friend and Lieu^t. Coll. SIR JAMES FOULIS BAR^T, Drogheda Sep^tr 22^d 1800'. The base is engraved with the name of the Colonel, The Earl of Ancram, together with further names of Captains, Lieutenants and Cornets.

According to the initials MLFC engraved on the standard to the side of the box, Sir James Foulis was an officer in the Mid Lothian Fencible Cavalry. That regiment was disbanded in 1800, which can be taken as the reason for the presentation of this snuff-box