Title: Antique Hand Carved Scottish Tobacco Mull Horn Snuffbox
Shipping: $19.00
Artist: N/A
Period: 19th Century
History: Art
Origin: Northern Europe > Scotland
Condition: Good
Item Date: N/A
Item ID: 324
We are pleased to present this antique Ram’s Horn & Bone Snuff Mull for your consideration. ANTIQUE SCOTTISH RAM'S HORN SNUFF MULL / Bone top closes with ease and hinge very good. Found with natural patina Condition is "Used and very old", see ALL photos. The practice of inhaling powdered tobacco became popular in Europe starting around the 17th century and remained popular throughout the 19th century. The word Mull comes from the Scottish word for “Mill” which is used because the Snuff was ground to a powder before being consumed. While many Snuff Mulls were small and designed for personal use, this model was designed to be put in a pocket and be shared. This Snuff Mull is an impressive piece. A variety of wear can be found on the Mull, attesting to the handling and use it has received. We imagine it sitting on a gentleman's’ Mess Table, providing a cherished distraction to countless men over the years. The surface has many smooth spots from handling. There are some minor surface cracks, but nothing of any significance. The actual horn snuff mull has the typical external appearance with the addition of two eyes at the narrow end to give the impression of a snake or serpent. The horn lid has a decorative brass hinge.
This is an exceptional and one-of-a-kind Scottish collectible. It contains many elements of Scottish Heritage. Various containers were made for snuff and horn was frequently used as in this example but much larger pieces were made for ceremonial and club usage.
