According to family tradition, the snuff-box was given to John Iggulden, a King's Proctor and member of Doctor's Commons, by George III, for his services rendered in connection with the king's indiscretion with an unnamed lady. The Gentleman's Magazine records on 27 August 1817 John Iggulden's death 'at Shoulden House, near Deal, in his 71st year'. He was buried in St. George's Churchyard, Deal.

William Grimaldi (1751-1830) was a descendant of the noble family od Grimaldi of Genoa. He studied under T. Worlidge and painted in both watercolour and enamel. He was the miniature painter of the Duke and the Duchess of York, George III and George IV. Characteristic for his style is the bright red shading on face, nostrils and the outline of the lip, and the opaque white used especially for men's hair