This oblong tobacco box has rounded corners and a hinged lid. On the lid there is an engraved mirror monogram with the letters J.J.K. with a earl's crown surrounded by palm leaves.
The base is engraved with a street scene. A tax collector walks along a canal past a row of Amsterdam houses. Two little dogs run in front of him. On the landings, residents watch the passing man.
Hallmarked on the inside with the city hallmark of Amsterdam with the date letter B attached for 1749 and the makers' mark LB for Leendert Beekhuysen.

Taxation was not popular in the Netherlands in the 18th century. At that time, the position of tax collector could be leased. This post was often only attainable to merchants from the ruling class, who took on the role. By skimming part of the taxes collected, many of these individuals became very wealthy. When taxes skyrocketed after a revision of the tax system in 1747, people revolted against these unfair practices, eventually leading to the ‘pachtersoproer’ (tax farmers' revolt) in Amsterdam in 1748. During this revolt, several tax officials were attacked and their houses looted. Numerous prints depicting these events were made, some of which were engraved on silver tobacco boxes of the time. This scene seems peaceful, but the tax collector on this tobacco box is closely watched.

Leendert Beekhuysen worked in Amsterdam from 1731 until 1763, when he moved to Noordwijk. He was based on Nieuwe Leliestraat, where he married Geertruy Pelser in 1731. Beekhuysen specialised in making snuff boxes (used to store snuff) and engraved tobacco boxes. Several of his works have been preserved, including items in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.