Up until now I’ve been using the Snuffhouse boxes and whilst I’ve found them to be of excellent quality and practical for my needs, I’d like something a bit fancier! My snuff budget doesn’t stretch to an antique box or one of the new Ari D Norman silver boxes, so I’m looking at a wooden one (this one, specifically https://mistersnuff.com/catalog/snuff-walnut-with-burl-maple-inlay-p-1873.html ). I’ve read a bit on here and at Patrick Collins’ site about not using moist snuffs in them as it can in some cases warp the lid, but what is going to be too moist? The Samuel Gawiths that I have in my collection seem to be too moist I would guess (Black Coffee, Toffee, Firedance Celtic Talisman etc, no toasts), but what about Toques and WoS? Again no toasts, just things like Spanish Gem and Royal George
If the small snuffhouse boxes fit your needs ,Then I go with something smaller like a 2x2 the 2x3 is like carting around a bar of soap. Just seal the wood with a soft pipe wax,or any other eatable wax inside and out let dry overnight and buff off excess. Should be able to put water base snuff in it without swelling
A wood box may be an upgrade in terms of class, cost and elegance from a plastic box, but not necessarily will it uplift your snuff. Plastic, though rather low in class, is high in practicality. So is a reusable tin. The box in question, I believe is one of the Heartwood boxes; these are not designed with snuff in mind, and although like a Pat Collins box in some ways, they are rather obtuse in size. They are useable though, but anything moister than a toast, you had better use up by the end of the day or it will dry out on you. I don’t want to discourage you, as I own 4 PC wood boxes ( but only really use 2 of them). I will not buy another except maybe one of those silver ended French ones. I will save for a silver one from now on.
My Patrick Collins’ is my favourite box. Having said that, I only use it for Dholakia White or White Elephant, which are unlikely to dry out much. But I was interested in @basement_shaman’s comment about pipe wax. I guess you could use beeswax to seal an old wood box that might not be entirely air proof
I find a wooden box works perfectly for an oiled snuff like a Six Photo or Schmalzler…or however you spell it.
Check out E-bay! I just did a search there and got: 1,747 results for “snuff box” In the past I’ve purchased some VERY nice Chinese and Tibeten snuff boxes and bottles. From carved ivory, to glass, to pewter to silver – CHEAP! You might also want to search for “snuff flask.” I got a few nice stoneware German snuff flasks from Poschl’s and Bernard’s. Since I consume such vast quantities of snuff, I always have one or two 2"x3" heartwood boxes with me at all times. The thing to keep in mind about snuff boxes is that WHEN you lose them, you don’t want to break the bank purchasing replacements. n.b.; I did say WHEN you lose THEM – not IF you lose one! To date I have lost 4 or 5.
n.b.; I did say WHEN you lose THEM – not IF you lose one!
I always try to lose my cheap plastic boxes rather than my good ones.
If you have the funds, I’d skip wood altogether and go for silver. Malleable enough to be made completely snuff tight and as its silver it doesn’t retain any smell of whatever you had in it previously. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRAND-NEW-925-STERLING-SILVER-TRADITIONAL-HINGED-SHAPED-PLAIN-SNUFF-BOX-GIFT-/120980335792?pt=UK\_Antiques\_DecorativeAntiques\_Collectables\_EH&hash=item1c2afd6cb0 My wife bought me one as my wedding present (when they were £75 on SnuffStore) and I rarely use anything else (If I do its my ‘bar of soap’ Wilsons of Sharrow box). It is perfect for everyday use. I believe Abraxas uses one as his everyday box as well, you really can’t go wrong. If funds are an issue I ecco @howdydave by saying have a look on ebay. I’ve bought 3 or 4 wooden boxes from there and they are all great. Try looking for ‘small wooden hinged box’ or whatever, as some people listing don’t know that what they’ve got is actually for snuff. One of my favourites was listed as ‘wooden trinket box’ or something and is actually a very well made and quite old rosewood box. Due to the incorrect listing I got it for about £3 a couple of years ago.
Don’t get me wrong, silver is a beautiful metal. But there’s a lot of expensive mistakes you can make buying silver boxes. Personally, although that’s exactly what I did, I wouldn’t recommend buying one as your first post-plastic box. If you like dry snuffs, a Collins is excellent. Or you can get a nice vintage pewter box for under 30 dollars. I have one silver box I like, but I’m much more likely to carry my wood or pewter boxes, just because I like them better.
wondering about the wos wood boxes. forgive my ignorance and lazy—guess i could google. they look plain and simple. sad effort to get in conversation
@bogybill the Sharrow snuff box, there are two one made from padauk [cherry] and the other teak . I prefer the teak they are the 2 x3 size although they could be smaller depending where you buy them. if sealed properly you should have no problems except in high humidity situations.Best for carrying Dry snuffs, Toasts,Scotches, Whites and others. Moist snuffs should be limited to a three day supply max. http://www.marscigars.com/ProductImages/snuffwoodbox.jpg
wondering about the wos wood boxes. forgive my ignorance and lazy—guess i could google. they look plain and simple. sad effort to get in conversation
I have one that sit’s on my desk and it’s nicknamed my “Granny’s Stew”. All the dregs from tins and snuffboxes gets tipped into it, and it’s a constantly evolving flavour … but it’s also generally fairly dried out snuff that’s going in there which doesn’t cause problems with the box. It’s perfect for the job I’ve just described, but I wouldn’t pocket carry it as the lids fit depends on humidity etc, and I wouldn’t trust it to stay closed all the time. Pocket carry is plastic boxes for me. Not the most visually appealling solution, but by far the most practical IMHO