I was browsing ebay the other day and saw these for sale, so thought I’d treat myself. They’re new but made from old coins, by someone in Wales. Ordered it on Monday, it arrived today and I’m very pleased with it. It’s a beautiful, well made thing, domed, highly polished (at the moment, of course), and just the right weight in the hand. As it’s a coin from the reign of George V, I’ve filled it with WoS Royal George. The guy also makes them from other coins, the halfpenny one looks like it might be a bit too small to be useful to me. http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?\\_nkw=penny+snuff+box+&\\_trksid=p5197.c0.m627 I’ll find out as I go how easy it remains to open, but at the moment I love it.

That is so freaking cool! ^:)^ Nice looking gift for yourself

That looks beautiful. Is it properly airtight?

That looks beautiful. Is it properly airtight?

Seems to be, just had a sniff and can’t smell any Royal George from the outside, and it’s quite a highly scented snuff. It’s going to work in my pocket tomorrow, I’ll let you know if I end up with a pocketful of snuff.

Oh lord I must have one or more of those. Off to ebay I go.

@HR_pufnsnuff I see more than one seller among your search. I like the pre-decimal Irish penny from one of the other sellers. I might order one. All of the other coins seem too small of a diameter to make a box big enough to get one’s fingers in. Although the KGV penny looks about the same size. One thing I do like about that one you have is that the maker has warped the coin to give it a domed lid. It looks good, but you’ll have to let us know if it helps or hinders snuff. A flat, flush lid usually would help the snuff from spilling over the sides when opened. Also one other thing, let us know if you have any smell contamination from the metal. One reason I’ve always avoided buying a brass or copper snuff box is because I don’t like how my hands smell after working with copper. I’d hate that smell to be in my snuff.

ARG!!! You’re the one that won that! I bid on that one! Looks great though

ARG!!! You’re the one that won that! I bid on that one! Looks great though

I bet you’re thinking of the 1904 one that he had up for sale, I bid on that too, but also missed it! I like this one better though, the detail on the coins was very worn on that one, whereas on this it’s nice and crisp. This was a straight “Buy Now” option, and only about two quid more than the auctioned one when you take into account the postage for that one, and the free postage on this one. I contacted the seller to tell him how pleased I was with the box, and he’s replied to say thanks, and that his business making them has suffered a bit from a copycat in Ireland. I’m not getting any scent contamination from the copper in the snuff, but it must be said that Royal George is pretty highly scented. As the box is quite small I think the snuff wouldn’t be in there long enough to pick up anything from the metal. Might try it with a plain toast next to see how that fares. I filled it almost to the top yesterday, so today each time I used it I gave it a little swirl when I got it out of my pocket to settle the snuff in the middle, took the top up a little, then tapped it to knock off any snuff in the lid before I removed it. Didn’t have any spillage, and the routine also looked quite showy, which as a three piece suit (with pocketwatch and hankerchief) wearing reader of _ The Chap _ magazine I enjoyed greatly, don’cha know. http://thechapmagazine.co.uk/about/

Good afternoon, dear @HR_pufnsnuff Many thanks for your posting. I thought, I would indulge myself too. The box will match delightfully with my Harris Tweed Jackets and corduroy trousers. By the way, old chap, I first thought, that somebody had socked your avatar in the eye. After your posting, I am convinced, it must be wearing a monocle. With my best regards Patrick B. Ludwig p.s. I would define Style as the fine art of adding moderation to your excesses. Good style is adding just a pinch …

Good afternoon, dear @HR_pufnsnuff Many thanks for your posting. I thought, I would indulge myself too. The box will match delightfully with my Harris Tweed Jackets and corduroy trousers. By the way, old chap, I first thought, that somebody had socked your avatar in the eye. After your posting, I am convinced, it must be wearing a monocle. With my best regards Patrick B. Ludwig p.s. I would define Style as the fine art of adding moderation to your excesses. Good style is adding just a pinch …

Well, Ludwig old chap, I had always thought I had a black eye too, but perhaps you’re correct and I am sporting a monocle! I say, that’s a bit of luck, what? Day three and the box is still doing well, Royal George still untainted by any scent of copper. Took it to the domicile of Mrs Pufnsnuff (we don’t live together, eight miles apart keeps us keen) and suggested she come with me into the kitchen where the light is better as I had something in my trousers that I thought she’d like to see, and she misinterpreted my remark completely! When the snuff box was revealed she did say something about “well, it’s still small and shiny”, can’t quiite work out what she was getting at… :-? Yours etc, Puffers.

TMI

@HR_pufnsnuff: I too am a three-piece suit, pocket square wearing Chap reader - delighted to make your aquaintance, old boy! And @Ludwig_1954 - excellent definition of style, sir. Absolutely ripping!

@HR_pufnsnuff: I too am a three-piece suit, pocket square wearing Chap reader - delighted to make your aquaintance, old boy! And @Ludwig_1954 - excellent definition of style, sir. Absolutely ripping!

Indeed! How do you do, Toffeenose - I had a feeling this place would be a haven for those of a more traditional, steadfast nature. Do you know if The Chap’s own pipe tobacco ‘Brown Study’ has been featured in this splendid website? I don’t smoke meself, but I can’t help wondering if it might make a good snuff: http://thechapmagazine.co.uk/shop/smoking/ As for these snuff boxes, I wonder through whose hands, and indeed Oxford Bag pockets the coins may have passed - Lord Peter Wimsey, or Bertie Wooster, Paul Temple perhaps, what tales they could tell if but that royal head could talk… Pip, pip!

ARG!!! You’re the one that won that! I bid on that one! Looks great though

I bet you’re thinking of the 1904 one that he had up for sale, I bid on that too, but also missed it! I like this one better though, the detail on the coins was very worn on that one, whereas on this it’s nice and crisp. This was a straight “Buy Now” option, and only about two quid more than the auctioned one when you take into account the postage for that one, and the free postage on this one. I contacted the seller to tell him how pleased I was with the box, and he’s replied to say thanks, and that his business making them has suffered a bit from a copycat in Ireland. I’m not getting any scent contamination from the copper in the snuff, but it must be said that Royal George is pretty highly scented. As the box is quite small I think the snuff wouldn’t be in there long enough to pick up anything from the metal. Might try it with a plain toast next to see how that fares. I filled it almost to the top yesterday, so today each time I used it I gave it a little swirl when I got it out of my pocket to settle the snuff in the middle, took the top up a little, then tapped it to knock off any snuff in the lid before I removed it. Didn’t have any spillage, and the routine also looked quite showy, which as a three piece suit (with pocketwatch and hankerchief) wearing reader of _ The Chap _ magazine I enjoyed greatly, don’cha know. http://thechapmagazine.co.uk/about/

Another Chap! Might I extend my hand in your general direction?

A veritable murmuration of Chaps on this forum!

@HR_puffnsnuff Thanks a million for the link. I just bought one !!! :))

Another Chap! Might I extend my hand in your general direction?

Consider it shaken, dear fellow. Is there a hat-doffing smiley around here somewheres?

Thank you for pointing this seller out, @HR_pufnsnuff - I have put a bid in on a Guernsey box by him. Add me to the tweed and corduroy brigade, by the way, and consider the brown felt lifted in your direction!

Thank you for pointing this seller out, @HR_pufnsnuff - I have put a bid in on a Guernsey box by him. Add me to the tweed and corduroy brigade, by the way, and consider the brown felt lifted in your direction!

And my Snook’s leather snap-brim porkpie hat raised in return, Justin! I must say that Guernsey 8 Doubles is a pretty box…

Nice find ,snuff boxes are an expensive addiction .I been trying to quit for years. But when one catches my fancy all bets are off. I glad to see others also have to have boxes!

Thank you for pointing this seller out, @HR_pufnsnuff - I have put a bid in on a Guernsey box by him. Add me to the tweed and corduroy brigade, by the way, and consider the brown felt lifted in your direction!

Justin old chap - by any chance did you win that Guernsey 8 Doubles box? I was quite tempted to bid but resisted the urge in case one of us ended up costing the other a lot of money. Update on mine - still haven’t tried a plain snuff in it, but Royal George and then Lemon Grove stayed untainted by any smell of copper, and I can’t smell any on my hands either. The bright colour has now darkened to a standard copper coin shade, but because it spends it’s time in my pocket being polished by movement as opposed to rattling around with other coins it is still shiny and looks beautiful. As the lid and base are quite a tight fit I’ll be resisting the urge to put any moist snuff in just in case it jams them together. The next snuff going in will probably be WoS IHT 22, or GH (Kendal) Irish D.

Good evening, Gentlefolk I have tried using quite a moist homemade snuff in my own George V, 1936 snuff box with very positive results. No clogging up, no nasty smell, no jamming, keeps the snuff nicely moist. I sent the maker - a Gentleman from Wales - two uncirculated pennies from 1953, ER II’s coronation year, the first with her portrait. He is now making a similar snuffbox for me, with these two coins. I also bought the commemorative Russian Ruble he put up on Ebay last week. I wonder what will come up next, gold doubloons, Mongolian tugrik, Swiss five franc pieces (Fünfliber), Vatican Euros? Very fine handicraft, by the way, almost seamless an clean soldering, no glue used. By the way, my fellow chaps from the tweed and corduroy brigade, may I draw your attention to the english clothes designer, Nigel Cabourn? His wares come very close to the ideal … So, with your gracious permission, I shall now retire to more private activities, with best regards Patrick B. Ludwig

Good evening, Gentlefolk I have tried using quite a moist homemade snuff in my own George V, 1936 snuff box with very positive results. No clogging up, no nasty smell, no jamming, keeps the snuff nicely moist. I sent the maker - a Gentleman from Wales - two uncirculated pennies from 1953, ER II’s coronation year, the first with her portrait. He is now making a similar snuffbox for me, with these two coins.

I say Ludwig old chap, a bespoke snuffbox service - now that’s rather splendid. I agree, the workmanship is very good; as I believe Mr Eric Morecambe was prone to say “You can’t see the join”.

…with your gracious permission, I shall now retire to more private activities, with best regards Patrick B. Ludwig

You’re not by any chance building your own Medium Size Hadron Collider as featured in the latest edition of The Chap , are you? I shall listen out for a bang… Yours etc, Pufnsnuff.

What spiffing company to be found here! I extend a hearty handshake and gentle peck on the cheek for all you Chaps ( and Chapesses). Lady Snuff.

Justin old chap - by any chance did you win that Guernsey 8 Doubles box? I was quite tempted to bid but resisted the urge in case one of us ended up costing the other a lot of money.

@HR_pufnsnuff No, I missed that one. Kind of you to hold back, though! I bought a George VI penny one in the end - I have always rather liked his coin portrait - and it is indeed a lovely box. Easier to use than I expected, and no hint of copper taste so far.

What spiffing company to be found here! I extend a hearty handshake and gentle peck on the cheek for all you Chaps ( and Chapesses). Lady Snuff.

Well, how do you do, Lady Snuff - please, take my seat. I’ll just take up a gentlemanly lounging position adjacent to the cocktail bar, here. Care for a snifter?

Good afternoon, @HR_pufnsnuff I suspect you are referring to the more private activities I was retiring to. But no, sorry to disappoint you, old fellow.The homemade hadron collider is tempting, but CERN is so near to where I live that it is just not worth the effort. I’d just pop over after office hours. More important however is, that I am mathematician and not a physicist. Meaning, that I tend to shift numbers on paper and not boxes on lab floors. Dear @LadySnuff I am delighted to meet such a dashing companion snuffer, and of the opposite gender to boot. You must let me know when you are in Switzerland next time, I would love to have you for afternoon tea and a nice sniff. Would an estate Darjeeling and some F&T Morlaix accomodate your undoubtedly refined taste? By the way, is Chapess really the feminine version of chap? I seem to vaguely remember the term ‘Chaperone’ … , the Lady I was far more interested in than my female peers many years ago. Best regards Patrick B. Ludwig

@HR_pufnsnuff and @Ludwig_1954 Thank you gentleman I have today been unable to resist and have ordered one of those Penny Snuff boxes from said gentleman in Wales. Photo to follow when it arrives.

My mum gave me a similar one. I find it really beautiful, every small but great looking. Talk about a nice gift!

I’ve been tempted to get one from Ebay but havent yet. Hmmm…might just get one now.

VERY nice! I have got to get me one of those. I’m not into tap boxes myself, but I bet you could drill a hole in the side of this and use it as one if you were so inclined. Twist the lid until the holes line up to dispense, then twist it back to close. It would be useful to have an alternative means of getting snuff out of the box on a windy day…

Blast and botheration, gentlemen. I’m supposed to be restraining my expenditures in preparation for a voyage overseas, and then you go and wave this in my visage…I suppose a few days on a diet of thin gruel will iron out this minor budgetary crease!

Well today, I was tidying a closet and I found some 1" plumbing pipe and a straight connector to match. I have some old predecimal pennies that my mom gave me last time I went to visit her in England, so I decided to have a go at making one of these boxes. Although ‘dapping’ the pennies to make them domed wouldn’t be too difficult, I decided to keep them flat because I thought it would be better that way for snuff use. I used lead free plumbing solder and a pipe cutter, and a few minutes later I had a snuff box very similar to this one. I’m not going to post instructions or pictures, as I don’t want to ‘pirate’ this guy’s work. also, if I didn’t already have all the materials, it would have cost more to buy them than to just buy a box from him. Councidentally, I also used 1936 pennies

Good work, @doctorbeat. I received one of these boxes in the post today, and it is very well-made, and very heavy overall. I think the domed shape is fine still for snuff, you just have to make sure you don’t over-fill.

I may still buy one, as although I have enough pipe and pennies to make quite a few of these, I can’t be bothered to make a tool to dome the pennies just to make one or two boxes. I think the domed effect looks spectacular and makes these boxes unique. It’s good to know that the domed shape won’t be too much of a hassle snuff-wise. I also don’t want to ‘waste’ any more of my pennies. They have no collector’s value, but my mom had them since she was a kid.

Question - how strong is the overall construction, solder being the choice bonding? I would like to hope that it’s not likely to come apart, but would be happier if it had been micro-welded.

Extremely strong, in the order of 2-3 times the psi rating of strong epoxy. A soldered joint can last for centuries without deterioration, too. There’s no way a properly soldered box of this construction would let go under normal use. If you applied enough force to rip the joint apart, you’d also be applying enough force to completely mangle the copper parts as well. Micro welding is well outside the scope of the hobbyist or small scale manufacturer, and wouldn’t really be worth the hassle since soldering is more than strong enough for an application like this. To be honest, the thing I would be most worried about is dropping the lid on a hard surface. If the lip of the lid got dented, it would be very difficult to bend it back accurately enough that it would still fit properly. On the box that I made, and presumably on the ones being sold on ebay, the lid fits so snugly that you can feel the air pressure when removing and replacing the lid. The tolerances are so tight that a dent could be really disastrous, but the metal is thick enough that you’d have to be pretty unlucky to damage it enough to render it unusable. Bottom line: if you’re careful not to dent it, it will outlast you.

Yes, you can certainly feel some resistance when you push the lid back onto the box so the fit is very close, as the good doctor says if you dented part of it when open you’d have a hell of a job sorting it out because it certainly wouldn’t close without attention. That said I can’t imagine anything damaging it when closed, it’s a strong little thing then. I wouldn’t drill any holes to turn it into a twist tap box though, on mine I can’t turn the lid at all.

You can’t turn the lid on yours? I ‘tuned’ my first one to be pretty loose, because I made it kinda deep and intend to keep it on my desk at work. It was quite tight to begin with, but I figured that since it would be on my desk, I didn’t have to worry about it coming open in my pocket. It’s ‘loose’ in the sense that gravity will open it, but if you do it that way you have to remove the lid slowly or else the air pressure will lift the box up with the lid and then drop it. I just made another one today, and I ‘tuned’ it so that it’s only tight for the last couple of mm, ie it’s easy to slip on but gets tight and locks in place when closed. I also made it so that there is a gap between the lid and the base to get my nail into to open it. I was concerned that if it was tight all the way, I might end up slipping and spilling the contents, but it did still need to be secure as this one is for my pocket not my desk.

I would not be comfortable having my snuff in contact with copper. Am I wrong?

Probably not. I’m a little concerned about this too, especially given the ammonium compounds in many snuffs. Ammonia readily dissolves copper, and copper compounds are toxic. I’m going to use my boxes with dry snuffs only and keep a close eye on things. It might be a good idea to tin the inside of the box, maybe I’ll attempt to do that on the next one I make.

Well, my uncle always believed, as have countless people through the centuries, in the benefits of wearing a copper bracelet on his wrist, and he died when he was in his late eighties. Then again, people have raised concerns regarding aluminium leading to memory loss, but that’s what F&T ‘tins’ are made from, and I’ve had almost half a tin of Old Paris to no ill effects at… What was I saying?

I received my British 1967 coin this morning (my DOB) these are wonderful, the workmanship is fantastic. Highly recommended Even better when its holding Mull of Oa! … Oh and burnt toast is carcinogenic, I doubt my snuff is in it long enough to erode the copper http://coincrafts.myshopify.com/

@HR_pufnsnuff‌

My Snuff is not in these containers or more than a days snuffing , I use then as a daily box, not a snuff storage container , so no issue here…

Hey, I’ve been adding to a newer discussion about coin snuffboxes. I’ve got some varnish and I’m coating the innards of mine (French 1978 10 Franc coin). I’m on to my second coating and when dry, I will post up the results. http://snuffhouse.org/discussion/8917/snuffboxes-made-from-coins#latest

It’ll be interesting to see the results, but I bet someone will post about the hazards of varnish. Still, you’ll have a great finish!