can cost you a lot of wasted cash because for every genuine antique or used snuff box for sale on line there is a pill box, soap dish, pocket-ashtray or cosmetics case, sold as a snuff box. The question of what makes a good snuff box is maybe more complicated than it seems to someone new to this hobby. A few brief points, of many; beware the pill box; they are often posted as pill/snuff boxes, that’s because the vendor doesn’t know or isn’t being honest. A pill box is rarely up to snuff - although there are exceptions, making it even more difficult to spot. Watch out for the dimensions; easy to miss but very important; sometimes a seemingly great snuff is an old tobacco box - too big and leaky for our purposes. Looks can decieve, and often do so don’t be dazzled by an artfully taken snapshot that shows just the lid, you must see the hinge and inside. The list goes on… There are some real experts on this site (not me, I just know enough to not go wrong too often) I am sure they would all be happy to have a look at any link. There have been a few people saying they are on the look out for a first snuff box, so I’ll keep this as sticky for a few days and if it’s used maybe it can stay. (my personal view is, if it’s a first snuffbox you are looking for, that you can’t go far wrong with one of the new ones from our supporter sites) Serious collector’s out there are very welcome to post away with general tips.

Nice one man! With the recent rash of decent people getting screwed over and/or misinformed, this is a great idea!

Thanks, I need the experts to get on here and put some tips on.

I’m a member of the camp who bought a pill box as a snuff box. There were plenty of pictures to have made the distinction had I known what I was doing, but I don’t. How is the hinge different on a snuff box vs a pill or other small box? The one I bought, snuff collects in the hinge and prevents the lid closing fully.

Man I spent the better part of yesterday looking for sites with helpful antique snuff box buying tips…NOTHING…if you can get this going, it will be pretty exclusive. I hope it takes off…I’m interested to read some expert opinions!! @at ddavelarsen…the one thing i’ve noticed about hinged boxes…they seem to be on the top, outside of the box as opposed to the side.

Thanks Fischy, I was looking at snuff boxes on vendor sites this morning and came to the same conclusion. Now I know better! The silver pill box I got is really nice, small and plain. Don’t know what to do with it, but it’s too nice to not use for something. I’ll figure it out I’m sure.

not a prob dave…i know nothing, really, about them…i just happened to notice it the other day while comparing boxes that were questionable as opposed to ones from reputable sites that i KNEW where snuff boxes. i’d love to learn more about them though!

Another thing to watch for is how well the box closes. See the rim under the lid. Pill boxes ofcause don’t need to be as close fitting.

@Snuffster - To echo your wise words on the pill/snuff boxes issue. They are pill boxes made in the style of snuff boxes for purely aesthetic reasons, and the vendor is frequently quite ignorant of the difference. Avoid!

I can tell you now that there is no definitive guide anywhere, the best guidance is from people who have built up some knowledge; the principles are very simple; was the box made for snuff or if wasn’t would it serve. Various tins and containers work out quite well but it’s hard to give definite advice about containers not designed for snuff; they are a case by case subject. The seal and the hinge are the main issues, basically a snuff box hinge must be placed so that it has no or minimal contact with the snuff, so the best are the ones that when the box is closed the inside of the box is an un-broken cube or rectangle. In simple terms, most good hinges run along the length of the lid. Pill box hinges are usually small ones in the middle of the lid; sometimes called a hinge that ‘shows shoulders’. The average pill box, however nice it looks, will tend to jam once it has been filled with snuff and the snuff has worked it’s way into the hinge. The style is important too; remember snuff boxes have not been made in large amounts for many years, although there has always been a small trickle of them available. So, if you have something with a steam liner or commemoration of some sort depicted, - post the early 1900’s - you are not usually looking at a snuffbox. There are masses of boxes like this on the net. Like anything, the best out there cost good money - bargains are usually strokes of luck or because the purchaser knows what they are looking for. If a box is on sale for £/$10, that should tell you something! The best thing you can do is not to buy simply because it looks like it would work out and the lid is nice - and to get some advice, unless you actually want a pill box of course. A final point; there are silver pill boxes being sold as snuffs at the moment by people who should know a lot better; just look at the dimensions and the hinge of any purported NEW silver snuffbox. I was very disappointed recently in a purchase and also surprised that this particular vendor was selling pill boxes - but ultimately it was my fault for not checking the dimensions I guess. Buyer beware when it comes to snuff boxes. As far as I can tell, there are only two genuine silver snuff boxes still in production: the ones sold by the London firm Ari D Norman and the others by the Regnas snuff box company - both in various lid styles. The Normans are very good but are now very expensive new and ebay may be the better option. My day to day snuffbox is one of these and after you have squeezed the odd leak off they are superb and I wouldn’t be without mine. I have not tried the Regnas and would appreciate any feedback on these.

Good advice, Snuffster. Probably the easiest solution is to post a picture of an intended purchase for scrutiny from other members. One tip is to avoid anything circular with a raised lid. (The ashtray bought by one member had a domed lid resembling the rotunda of Rome’s Pantheon.) Gold, silver and pewter are the main metals. Silver boxes with a gold wash are bona fide boxes although modern ones lack this refinement. Brass and tin are sometimes used, but should be treated as suspicious. Ebony, rosewood, burl or Madagascar are common materials for wooden boxes. Tortoiseshell, horn and papier mache are also frequent resources. Anything larger than a 25gram tin or smaller than a 10 gram tin is likewise suspicious. A common dimension for rectangular boxes is 85x45x20 mm. Finally, not all genuine snuffboxes are good snuffboxes. Some new ones have a raised hinge, allowing air to enter and snuff to exit. When closed the hinge must be flush with the lid.

Thanks for the great post. I was looking at eBay just simply typing “snuff box” and all these great antique units came up. Glad I read this post before I bit. I think I’ll eventually just go for the tripple tech box. I know that was made for the sole purpose of snuff.

PC boxes are great but don’t let all this put you off looking for old snuff boxes; there are NO modern boxes that equal the best of the old snuffs in build quality and getting a good example is a massive compliment to anyone’s snuff habit, ya just have to go slow, show the box off before you buy and get some decent advice. I recently got a continental silver snuff; the tolerances, design and sheer practical capacity of the thing leaves any modern snuff box standing a long way away. The only problem I have with it is the tempation to hoard and not use it because its so superb and would cost a lot to replace (some problem!).

Well, I guess your recent purchases gave me the idea, if it helps anyone not waste their money then its worth doing.

re ebay a little tip i just won ha ha i know a nice little wooden snuff box it looks like its a inlayed patrick collin’s one in mahogany. but heres the good bit it wos listed as [new exotic wood box with hidden commpartment] in the personal security pages. so use key words and some times you git lucky i did $10 thats with p&p to the uk for a brand new snuff box ,as not all salers know wot they are saleing …

Now that, Micheltn, is a not a ladies’ compact case, ashtray, soap dish or small wardrobe but a real snuffbox. It’s an example of a decent sized French tabatière with zinc and nickel maillechort. The dark colour suggests good quality. All of them (as far I am aware) were made in the Jura region of France in several workshops including St. Claude. Every tobacconist in Paris had a variety these boxes for sale and it was fun to examine them in great detail before making a decision. They last a lifetime if handled with care. Never attempt to open using thumb and forefinger. Hold in the palm with the hinge alongside the thumb and slide the fingers under the lip. Flex the fingers and the box will open. As well as providing support the metal ends enable the box to be placed upright on a level surface. Snuff compacts inside the box keeping it fresher. I’m examining mine (which is very similar). The most notable difference is that the very hard ebony-like wood still has a shiny gloss that reflects the light. Yours looks like it could do with a damn good clean using a very soft cloth. The metal ends could be buffed up with a small amount of metal polish. Open up the box and check that the hinge has not become fouled up.

I’d say sometime between 1930 and 1980, but there is no way of determining precise age with these boxes. When the domestic market collapsed in the 1980s boxes exported to Britain sometimes carry ‘Made in France’ etched into the wood. Have you bought this box? The following is a good site: http://tabatieres-snuffboxes.chez-alice.fr/pageaccueil\\_gb.htm It shows how the classic box is made together with a diagram on how to open it. Some of the boxes are extremely vulgar - particularly the secouette (shaker) scatological boxes. If you have wearied of a lady friend, but are too cowardly to say so, you could always purchase such a box and use it in her presence. She would leave you in disgust faster than a politician renegades on promises. Disgusting - but potentially useful in solving the problem of unrequited love.

Adding my thanks for the link, what an interesting web site.

Ah yes… unrequited love. I suspected there was some reason for the vulgarity.

My avatar is of one I found in a flea market for 5.00.

I’ve never purchased or used a snuff box. I generally use a bullet or the original tin, even when I go out. -Kidnapper

@kidnapper There isn’t anything wrong with that. Actually that is the way I go most of the time also. I can honestly say though using a antique brass snuff box or silver or wood adds to the enjoyment, because I can get a pinch in my puggie little fingers without difficulty, warm the snuff and repeat as needed. Plus a snuff box gives people around me a excuse to ask questions, which I answer with much enthusiasm.

@Gimpy1261 Yes, but with all of the problems stated, even in this thread, it makes me hesitant to purchase or use a snuff box. Besides, I’ve been asked way more questions when actually taking the pinch than the pinching itself. -Kidnapper Edit: Typo

@Phillips great link mate, very interesting, thanks. Stefan

I’ve been using the same steel screw-top pill holder I bought a couple years ago, thinking I’d buy a proper snuff box, and I never bothered. It travels well and I can tap out a good amount onto the back of my hand, which I prefer to pinching.

Snuff store re-stocked their silver snuffboxes, for those interested. They are quite pricey, but evidently worth the money. They are new and built for snuff! I dropped the cash, and I’ll report back when I get it. Edit: the shipping is very reasonable, under 7 USD according to the conversion on Google, for what that’s worth.

@matsnuffs They are fine snuff boxes if you get the silver ones. The best I have been able to find for the money.

Good! I have been drooling over the plain, not engraved one for some time, then they were out of stock. I just happened to check today…and I almost didn’t go for it because I just bought an antique wooden one with a hinged lid, not unlike Micheltn’s, but with a clover inlaid on the top. Fantastic buy, but a touch on the leaky side. Ordered some Mac’s SP too, because it was on sale, it was my first order from Tim…wonder where he is as of late…

Tim is probably busy. I love all their House Blends, Especcially Blenders Bundle and Golden Pinch. Both I alternate in my box and they stay fresh and moist.

“Snuff store re-stocked their silver snuffboxes, for those interested. They are quite pricey, but evidently worth the money. They are new and built for snuff! I dropped the cash, and I’ll report back when I get it.” I would caution against buying these silver boxes for the reason given above. The hinge is not flush with the lid. I have yet to see any such box where, squinting along the hinge with the lid closed, you can’t see daylight the other end. In short they will leak fine milled snuff like a pepper pot. With good boxes the hinge is perfectly flush.

@PhilipS That’s why I’ll stick to my slide lid wooden boxes…they don’t leak, and they have a much warmer, eathy, natural feel to em. Metal boxes just have such a cold, dead vibe to em.

I just went to check out these boxes after snuffster’s warning…there seems to be a lot of quotes used…‘usable depth’ as he mentioned and one had ‘dosing holes’…that kind of speaks for itself as using finger quotes is slang for ‘but not really’…never noticed it til snuffster pointed it out. Thanks for the heads up to the ones that do prefer silver boxes.

Yeah I was always weary of those Snuffstore boxes and never got one because they looked like pillboxes, but the new plain and engraved lid boxes look legit.

Just a stupid random thought that popped into my head but…I guess the camera really does add 10 lbs!! lol!

So are you saying that the ‘Silver Snuff Box Plain PB452’ is legit, but avoid the cameo design topped ones? Ive had my eye on the plain one for a while…

I’ve got the plain one, it is snuff proof and well worth the money. Stefan

One snuff box I can greatly recommend and one that I use very often is the reproduction silver box (first listed as snuff boxes but now in their pill box section) from Walsh Brothers in the UK. It is about the size of a JandH can, has a great hinge and is very beautiful. They are compact but they work; I’ve used one for the last 2 or 3 years. Retails at about 50GBP - well worth the outlay and will prove its worth in ‘failed’ purchases. The only pillbox type I’ve come across that is up to the job.

Btw, the round box with the ‘dosing holes’ was reviewed by a member a couple of years ago on the thread ‘my new snuff box from Rajeks’ If all this is making you too wary to buy a snuff box, don’t let it. You just have to be cautious, not buy the first pertty thang that you see and take a little advice. Having a real snuffbox greatly increases the pleasure of snuff taking; I’ve got 20 odd great snuffboxes and some members have many more; they are out there to be bought and enjoyed and it pays to look about the net, just make sure of your purchase. As I’ve said before, if I was in the market for a first snuffbox I would go for a Pat Collins or one of the rosewood flip tops that have either a clover leaf or piece of white metal scroll work on the lid (sorry for those who have bought them as antiques on the net, they are modern French boxes. They are not made anymore but a lot of them in circulation still and as old stock here and there) Mcgayheys still have some but when they are gone it will be a question of getting them off ebay. Wooden flip top snuffboxes will slacken up over time but still remain useable. I’ve carried one as my day to day for over 20 years and though its a bit battered its still great.

Has anyone tried the WoS Pewter Snuff Boxes. I was thinking of getting one with my next order and being from Wilson’s I would assume it would do the job well. But it never hurts to get some feedback from someone who nose.

Pewter boxes are good, but the metal is very soft so needs a bit of care. The closure will slacken off with time but the sides of the box can usually be gently squeezed back to tighten the lid up again. There are only a couple of variants on sale at the moment and the heavy round ones are table top boxes that are slightly too bulky for pocket use. Mcgayheys has better ones (Im not a McGayheys agent, he just happens to have some of the best of the original boxes still in stock)

I have one of the WoS Pewter snuffboxes, they are tabletop snuffboxes. You cannot put them in your pocket, they are too big and they leak like no tommorrow. My recently acquired silver snuff box is far superior to these in every way. As I said these are for tabletop ONLY! Edit: Looks like snuffster is a faster typer then I, he beat me to the punch.

Thanks for the input. I greatly appreciate it!

I’d appreciate some educated opinions on these: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260729278837&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160549448002&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

They spelled “Oldebiscuit” with an “e” so, yes…That is a #1 clue, Xander…that is a genuine ENGLISH snuffbox. Bid at will. (It actually looks pretty nice!)

I’m sure I’ve seen the first one on Ebay before… though it would appear to be a real snuff box. The second is a real beauty by the looks. Definitely the real thing.

The first box has dimensions of only 2*1.25 inches. Mark it out using a ruler, paper and pencil and you can see just how tiny this box is. No good as a snuffbox - excellent as a pill box though. Don’t buy it. John Shaw needs no introduction as a maker of genuine snuffboxes. The example here has an interior gold wash - always a sign of good quality. The condition is fine and the all-important hinge has not, as far as I can tell, been repaired. It’s an excellent example of a late Georgian box. Try comparing the bid of $263 with other examples of silver/gold J.S boxes from George IV.

Thank you for the feedback. Sadly, the second one has jumped out of my price range. I will not be bidding on either.

@Xander - have a look at the silver snuff box in the Walsh bros catalogue - its misleadingly in their pill box section under ‘reproduction silver’, but it is no pill box. I was bought one a couple of years ago and it is excellent and one of my regular snuffs, about the size of a JandH can and superb workmanship. http://www.walshbrothers.co.uk/ It is evidently one of the few genuine silver snuffboxes on the market today. EDIT: Ive just checked the site, the box I own and previously listed as a snuff box is now listed as a pill case, its the last rectangular box on their repro silver section; but it is definately the one I have.

Thanks snuffster. I’ll keep that one in mind. Still shopping for the perfect one (on a budget).

I wanted to get a decent box without breaking the bank. Has anyone bought and used the wooden snuff boxes that are on sale at mrsnuff.com? There are 3 of them, a McCrystals, a Poschl, and a “mr snuff”, wooden - slide top - boxes. The price is definitely right, but I’d love to hear some opinions from people who have used these or are at least more familiar with them than myself. here is a link: http://mrsnuff.com/store/wooden-snuff-boxes-c-22\\_1\\_8.html

@jbruckus I’ve got 3 of em, and they work great…just the right size for all day carry…no leakage and they keep your snuff nice n fresh! If you live in the US, I would suggest you buy one from his ebay store… just about all of them are around the sale price, the shipping is only $1.99 and it’ll get to you in 2 or 3 days. http://stores.ebay.com/SnuffBoxes-Etc?\\_trksid=p4340.l2563

Thank you very much for the info, Fisch!

Not a problem man, hope it helps!

Slide tops are fine and the Pat Collins ones very nice indeed, but if you want a really great wooden snuff box in traditional flip top style, try to find one of the French made rosewood boxes that have things like clover leaves or scrollwork in white metal on the lid. These last a lifetime are superbly made and should really be a must for any serious snuffer.

@snuffster Do you know anywhere to buy these outright? I’ve only able to find them on ebay…and I keep getting outbid at the last second! I’d love to have one…just can’t seem to hit the bid button at the right time…lol!

As far as I know Barber’s is the only place that still has new ones in stock. I bought one last year. Excellent box and I’m sure it will last me out and then some. http://www.smoke.co.uk/acatalog/Snuff\\_Boxes.html

@ermtony Thank you! That’s a huge help!!

Mcgayheys has some remaining @FischTix The one pictured on the site is the one I use daily; these are part of snuff history and next to the best of the old antique boxes, the best available anywhere, IMHO. http://www.the-tobacconist.co.uk/

@snuffster Thanks man…I’ve been trying like crazy to get one of these…between these two sites hopefully I’ll be able to get one!

Just a thought … for someone wanting a cheap but sturdy alternative to the tin these simple brass/nickel silver boxes with lift-off lids might suffice. The percussion cap box is slightly larger than a Sharrow sample tin, while the ‘snuff box’ has the same dimensions as a 25gr tin from Smiths or Sam Gawith. If the lid is secure enough then they should be satisfactory. They are also very cheap and very well presented - I’ve seen similar containers retail in the UK for around £20 or more. The facsimile 1790 tobacco box is often sold as a snuffbox. http://www.tdcmfgstore.com/agora.cgi?product=Boxes

I wouldn’t buy either of those boxes without physically examining one. I would hazard that the tobacco box is probably not very good at keeping tobacco never mind snuff. I have something more or less identical to the round percussion cap box and it’s ok, about as good as a small snuff brand can. @FischTix - if you do get one make sure to open a thread and do a review, we don’t have enough snuff box reviews and the more we have the less chance we have of members getting stung.

Something we have not mentioned so far is the new Toque snuff flask. This is a perfect snuff holder if you favour the tap and back of the hand method - they are a 100% airtight, keep snuff perfectly and will last several life times

@snuffster i ordered one last night, thank you guys for putting me on to those sites…i will be sure to start a review thread when i get here. Thanks again guys …much appreciated!

Cool, I guarentee you are getting the best new snuffbox available anywhere. It will be pretty difficult to open to begin with, thats just the newness of it; have a look at the link Philips posted ealier on this thread to see how it should be opened. Taking a pinch from my own in honour!!

I read that link, and I’m glad I did…I would have gone in all willy nilly and opened it the wrong way if i Hadn’t, and probably broken it. I sent off for a quote from the site you posted, but they were out of the wooden boxes…I did end up getting lucky on the site that ermtony posted. I ordered the one with the clover inlay. Like I said I’ve been trying to win one from ebay for about 2 months, but keep geeting outbid…so I’m super excited to have been able to order one outright. I really do appreciate the help guys, and I won’t let ya down snuffster…I will most definately a review thread as soon as I get it and fill it with snuff!!

I bought one of those boxes from Barber’s last year too. Excellent box I use it most days. It is my toast box. I’ve got one for menthol a PC for SP’s and a Sharrow heartwood box for my special mixture. Stefan

I’ve never had a snuffbox but I’m looking forward to getting one. I’m curious though. If you put a strong smelling snuff in your box and it stays there for a while, does your box now have that scent forever? Then, when you fill it up with a different snuff the next time, does it taint the new stuff with the old scent? Do wooden boxes hold the scents of snuff strongly, or do you not really notice the smell of the previous snuff that was in your box? Seems like wooden boxes would hold onto a smell more than a metal one. I’m just curious, what do you guys think?

Yes…there is ghosting in wood boxes. The ultimate solution is to use similar snuffs per box.

Ive never noticed it myself, I think any lingering scent is very quickly overpowered by the next snuff, but then again I admit to not having a particularly great sense of smell.

Another link, this one from Rajeks in Germany. I own one of the round chrome snuffboxes shown on the site. Very cheap to buy, about 5Euro, and a very practical nice looking snuff box. The only problem is the high shipping costs that Rajecks charge. Still, in this day and age where the choice is usually just slide tops, its nice to find a genuine non-precious metal snuffbox. White metal snuffboxes like this were common in tobacco shops when I started taking snuff 30 odd years ago, cheaply made but with their own charm. Worth the shipping in my opinion as these are getting increasingly more scarce: http://www.estatepipes.de/shop2\\_/advanced\\_search\\_result.php?keywords=snuff+box&x=14&y=4

And for any wealthy snuffers out there: Regnas snuff boxes; I’ve never come across one of these so a review, if any member owns one, would be welcome. http://www.regnas.com/snuff/history/

Snuffster is that Rajecks chrome box leak proof? I’m looking for something EXACTLY like that but that I can throw in my pocket next to my cellphone and not worry about it… and things like this are hard to find 5 euros is AWESOME

Rajek’s is back online? And hes’s got Taxi Gold? Back on topic, he used to have a beautiful round tap out box in pure silver with a sapphire on the opener.

@snuffster I’m doing my damndest to convince my wife that I “need” one of those Regnas snuff boxes for my b-day…even with my aversion to metal snuff boxes, the stone tops kinda won me over…but I don’t think its gonna hapeen cap’n…lol!!!

I received my plain silver snuff box from Snuff Store yesterday and it is gorgeous. The hinge isn’t recessed, as Philip mentioned, but it only sticks up when the box is closed, otherwise no snuff can reach the hinge to jam it up. It was clearly made with snuff in mind, that much is certain. I also like it because its deep enough to accommodate my stubby fingers, and I can easily take a sizable pinch from this box. I like it, but it lacks that “old world charm”–you can see where it was welded and clearly looks machined or something on the inside only–and may not appeal to some audiences for that reason; its a slight turn off for me, anyways. It is about the size of a PC box, but taller. I’d post pics if I still had a camera. Overall, its less leaky than my antique rosewood with the inlaid clover on top box (which is only marginally leaky near the hinge, probably due to its age or something,) and easier for my big fingers to use than my Pat Collins boxes, but it certainly won’t replace any of those by any means. It would be an excellent choice if you were looking for one everyday box but concerned about flavors ghosting or loosening sliding lids when using moister snuffs or similar problems experienced when using wooden boxes, but you didn’t want to lose or ruin some irreplaceable antique.

"The hinge isn’t recessed, as Philip mentioned, but it only sticks up when the box is closed, otherwise no snuff can reach the hinge to jam it up. It was clearly made with snuff in mind, that much is certain. Glad to hear that you like your box. From the picture it looks like the hinge was raised instead of flush. In all boxes I’ve examined with a raised hinge you can see daylight by holding the box lengthways and squinting along the part where the lid joins the hinge. Anyway, Mat, I’m happy that I was wrong.

“I wouldn’t buy either of those boxes without physically examining one” Therein lies the problem with most purchases. Some boxes may be bought online with reasonable confidence, but for many purchases outside the narrow confidence range a photograph is the only basis for consideration. However, at only $7.25 (a pint of beer in sterling where I live) the financial risk is minimal. The penurious might even be pleased since the cap boxes, I understand, have tight fitting lids.

Bloody hell PhilipS where do you live? In my local they have just put prices up by 10p and my regular pint is only £2.40. Mind you it is one of the cheapest pubs in the area, not a Wetherspoons either so that is good. I paid £3.10 for a pint in another villages local I about dropped through the floor lol. God help those in cities especially London as prices there are detestable. Stefan

Phillips, I think it would be unwise to buy something that was manifestly not a snuffbox in the hope that it would be ok. It’s difficult enough for new buyers to get the right box even when they are described as snuff boxes. And there are lots of people for whom even a few pounds is significant.

I’ll probably just order a nice wood snuff box from Mr.Snuff tomorrow

And it will be very nice and you can guarentee it is snuff box. I’ve had lots of the cheap wood ones over the years and they all do a good job. Remember the golden rule: only put a days supply of snuff in any snuffbox.

@MikeMoose If you order one from Mr. Snuff’s ebay site it’ll probably get to you quicker, and the shipping is cheaper. Aaaanndd You still get your bonus points!! But, you seem to have been getting your snuff shipments fairly quickly, so i don’t know if this will help much. But the shipping is still only $1.99 US.

I just splurged on a Regnas Sea Fossil silver snuff box from their Ebay store. As a naturalist snuffer I think their sea fossil snuff box is one of the coolest things I ever saw and I just had to have one. Also I contacted him and he said that their gold plated snuff boxes are only gold plated on the outside but that he would gold plate the inside and/or outside of any of the boxes for only $20 USD, which considering the cost of the boxes is a pretty sweet deal I think. So I got the cheapest sea fossil snuffbox and had the inside and outside gold plated for only $20 more. It can be seen here: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260723661659 Also I would like to thank snuffster for providing the link otherwise I probably would have never known these sweet sea fossil boxes even existed. I will post more photos when the box arrives

Thanks so much for this thread! As a brand new snuff user, without a proper snuff box as yet, it’s great to have so much helpful information about them in one spot!

My first snuff transport/delivery device was a posh bullet, but I found that I would sniff too hard and end up with snuff practically behind my eye, or the more moist snuffs would simply jam it. For these reasons and all of the good things I’ve heard, I just bought a PC in teak and love it. One thing I can’t figure out, however, is what people use smashboxes for. Maybe @snuffster can help. Is it just for refills? Different varieties? If that’s the case, it would seem that people only buy more expensive boxes like the PC for looks and not out of necessity. How well do smashboxes hold the snuff and does the same “only enough for a day” rule apply with smashboxes? Thanks

Smashboxes are just cheap, extruded plastic containers. They have a hinged lid and hold about the same as a small tin of snuff. They started to be used by the online stores to give snuff samples and a lot of people now use them as cheap and cheerful snuff boxes. Whilst not the height of elegance, they are effective and snuffproof. Worth having a couple. Any container that you open several times a day should only have a days snuff in it, it’s the act of repeated opening that dries the snuff as it comes into contact with the air. Actually, purely on effectiveness, smash boxes are as good as any snuff box.

@n9inchnails A review would be great when the box arrives, to the best of my knowledge you are the only member with one. May I ask what you paid?

@transistor. Completely snuff proof, I use mine all the time.

Smash boxes are great. I don’t use them for out and about, but for home storage. I never seem to have enough of them. They are much more airtight than re-using old tins.

@snuffster if you click on the link it will show you how much it cost just add $20 USD

I am a snuff box collector, and a snuffer too, and the percentage of rubbish in my collection is very very very low *lol*. If I can be of any assistance, please get in touch. Ebay doesn’t have to piss you off because your an amateur, and sellers don’t need to rip you off, because you’re unaware of price levels etc. Buying a snuff box is fun, and it’s fun to collect them. But if you want space technology super metal non-dinged, hermetically shut wonderboxes at 9.99GBP - then you should collect something else - not snuff boxes *lol*. Get in touch if needed, ciao.

@Viking. The last three lines - reality check! For my part I carry my snuff in a bullet and tap it out on the back of my thumb - symples!

I would like a hermetically sealing titanium box with an alarm and a GPS tracking chip. I would also like a little snuff keg for my rescue chihuahua to wear. Both for 9.99 rupees and free shipping!

He’s right, no one needs to be ripped off and it is fun to collect snuffboxes, and now we have an expert offering his help, so take advantage of his kind offer of assistance.

I had an idea last night, thought id share it with you. I’ve had my eye on Toques’ metal snuff bottle for a while, didn’t really fancy shelling out £16 though, so I went on ebay and searched for miniture hip flask…there are loads. If you’re a ‘back of the hand’ snuffer you can pick a stainless steel 1oz one up (the key chain sort) for a couple of quid. Granted, they do not have the Toque logo on, but if you’re short of cash…

I received an email today from Regnas saying my box has been gold plated and shipped, they even included some pics of the gold plated box. They also said they will be adding more snuff boxes to their ebay store soon.

That certainly looks very nice!

Damn fine looking box…congrats man!!

Gorgeous. Congrats!

“Bloody hell PhilipS where do you live? In my local they have just put prices up by 10p and my regular pint is only £2.40. Mind you it is one of the cheapest pubs in the area, not a Wetherspoons either so that is good. I paid £3.10 for a pint in another villages local I about dropped through the floor lol. God help those in cities especially London as prices there are detestable.” Only £2.40! That’s still very steep. No wonder so many pubs are either closing or reverting to restaurants. I remember (after decimalisation) paying 15p a pint. By the start of the 1980s the cost had doubled to around 30p. The cost of ale in pubs now is outrageous and it’s likely to be taxed even more to (apparently) reduce binge drinking by yobs. The government, however, doesn’t seem to realise that louts don’t drink real ale in pubs - they get drunk on canned lager, cheap cider and alcopops from supermarkets. The only exception to the yob rule in decent Surrey pubs were the drunken actors Richard Burton, Richard Harris and Oliver Reed who smashed up the Royal Oak in Holmbury St Mary and the one at Leith Hill. I’m based in Leigh in Surrey. We have two pubs selling Sussex, Tangle Foot, Badger, Ferret, Old Speckled Hen, London Pride, Young’s and various guest ales. All very welcome, but the average cost is about £1.00 more than you pay - so I prefer to brew my own ale and convert my central heating system into a gin distillery in summer. Everything around here is (unfortunately) very expensive.

Lovely looking box, NineInch. Very unusual too.

Just a quick question, have WoS stopped selling boxes direct?

I just bought a snuff box from WoS a couple of weeks ago but now they’re gone. The clay pipes and snuff mull are gone too, there is only snuff on the site now WTF!

Sounds like somebody had a heap o’ money burning a whole in their pocket!! That mull was pricey as hell!!

Has anyone ever found a box in a charity shop? I picked this one up for about £1 last year. They didn’t know what it was, just thought it was a small wooden box. Its great though, hand made specifically for the job. There was a touch of leakage when I got it, hardly anything though. I sorted that by opening the lid, then running some super glue around the inside edge of the hole with my finger and leaving it to dry. This acts kind of like a rubber seal and the box is now 99.99% snuff proof. Not bad for £1 and a bit of glue!

Yeah, what has happened to the WoS site. I ordered a lb of snuff and a box only last week. Where have they gone? It was a good box too a heartwood, the same size as a Sharrow wooden box. Stefan

@Koba22 Nice grab!! especially for the price(I have yet to learn to make those symbols with my computer…lol) that was some incredible luck!!

@Walrus1985 I hope they’re not going to stop selling everything altogether! It seems like online vendors are slowly going goodbye! Fingers crossed for Dave and Roderick…those are the only guys I order from, and I’d be absolutely lost without them. But, I’m sure there’s a ‘logical’ explanation for it. Maybe Xander would know?!

Nice box Koba! I’ve been looking in charity shops for as long as I’ve been snuffing, but no such luck. I’ve found a couple in a ‘second-hand’ junk type shop near me, but the asking price for them is too high for my meagre budget. I’d rather get a P.C. and half a drum of snuff instead.

That’s a helluva find!

It certainly was! I forgot to put the measurements on! The box is about 2 1/2" by 1 1/2" by 5/8". It can hold about a day to a day and a halfs worth for me.

Yes, a very good find, Koba. I’ve seen similar boxes selling on ebay for 20 times a much. @FischTix: I don’t know anything about Wilsons. I do know how to make a £ on a US keyboard. Hold Alt and type 156 on your numeric keypad (keypad, not keyboard).

Dang…I finally won a bid!! Looks to be in good shape…hopefully this turns out to be the case!! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&\\_trksid=p4340.l2557&autorefresh=true&hash=item483f61486e&item=310300985454&nma=true&pt=UK\\_Collectables\\_Tobacciana\\_Smoking\\_LE&rt=nc&si=PvqG3KDZ0y5NJ%252FrKBZw0DmowpPk%253D $25.00 US including shipping ain’t too bad.

Good find Fisch. To me it looks like it may be a horn snuff box, particularly the pic of the inside.

Thanks man…I’m thinking wood with horn on top, but either way, I’m thrilled!!! It’s right about the same size as the flip top I just got which is a perfect size.

Good looking box Fisch, if it holds snuff too that’d be a bonus!

@Koba22 Thanks…I’m really hoping it is snuff worthy, but if not, I’ll find a nice spot for it among my other wooden collectibles!

It’s horn with a faux tortoiseshell veneer on the lid. As long as the lid still fits tightly it should be good. Nice catch at a good price!

@ermtony Thanks for the info! I’ll be sure to give a review and post some pics when it arrives…thanks again!!

I could not find in this thread, but does anyone know if the wood slide top boxes with the heart stamped bottoms have a site to order direct from?? I remember the topic coming up before but don’t recall the answer.

http://www.heartwood.com/ For you Bart, and others click secret boxes.

Thanks much, John!

Your welcome.

Those are real nice snuffhead, are the seals good enough for snuff?seeing the bon bon what have you in one scared me lol

Yes they make good snuffboxes, the Wilsons of Sharrow boxes are of that make.

@EricHill78 Like SnuffHead said…and listen to him, cuz he’s a smart one…those make great snuff boxes, I own a couple myself, and love them!! Their a great price, and beautiful craftsmanship…if you decide to get one , I guarantee you’ll be pleased!

Anyone else seen this? Bit out of my price range but one of you might be interested: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vintage-snuff-boxes-tins-and-snuff-/220749800992?pt=UK\\_Collectables\\_Tobacciana\\_Smoking\\_LE&hash=item3365b6a620

0

Koba> The most interesting part is the bigger box itself. That looks really useful.

You can pick better, cheaper boxes than this up in any market stall that sells Indian crafts. I got a beautiful, new, carved box that’s bigger than that for £12.

Pretty nice haul for whoever gets it…bit outta my price range too tho!

I just put a bid in!

Good Luck Jux…hope ya win…that’s a sweet ass haul!!

I have one I got locally at a garage sale, paid only 90 cents, UNDER a dollar for it. Older lady had it. Not really sure it is truly a snuff box. I will get my wife to take a dig photo of it and post it here tonight. I holds approx 35 gm and does indeed look to be a snuff box, holds snuff well without the ‘dust’ test as i call it. When shaking it, no cloud of precious snuff is wasted. Has an inner lip to keep that from happening. I welcome any opinions, will post photos of it and please let me know what you think…thanks there a lots of chinese snuff bottles available on ebay, I got several nice ones for around $5 or so, one is made of red coral, here is a photo of it.

Yay! Five snuff boxes and some vintage snuff to boot, all for under $100. @Xander …You get first dibs on any of the vintage snuff.

Nice one @Juxtaposer, really good buy!

@Juxtaposer Nice one man!!

Hey, thanks Juxtaposer. I was thinking of putting in a bid on that but you beat me to it. I’m glad you got it at the opening price. Let me know when you get them.

I just won one on ebay for 39.99 buy it now with $2.00 shipping. Will try to post pictures when I receive it. edm I think the shamrock is missing. full of Perlesreuter schmalzler

@mr.snuff is it anything like the cocobolo one that you sell? I’ve been coveting that bad boy for a while now!!

Just won a wooden rosewood box with brass edging on ebay for GBP 5.75, looks pretty good, will post a picture when I receive it.

@toffenose what do you do a search for when looking for snuff boxes? I’ve found if you search for ‘snuff box’ people actually bid on them and the price gets jacked up sky high! Especially when those 1980’s boxes are listed as antique…lol!

@FischTix: I have a couple of searches stored on ebay - snuff box and snuff tin. I then have a look at what’s up there. Sometimes if you misspell snuff you get a few results as well. Yeah, people do spoil your fun and start bidding, but you can get lucky every once in a while! As for the '80s boxes being listed as antique - I guess to young folks they are…!

@toffenose Thanks much!

I REALLY want a slim, silver snuffbox. No engraving or designs. Just a slim, smooth and silver box for my pocket. Sorta like the wooden one Koba just posted a picture of above, but silver. It would be perfect for me and I’d keep it til I died! If anyone finds one for a good price (good as in less than $100) PLEASE lemme know. Thanks guys! It can be used if there’s a little wear it’s okay, as long as its not trashed.

@transisor: You’ll be hard pushed to find a decent silver snuff box for less than $100 dollars, my friend, but if you’re willing to go a little higher, this may be what you’re looking for. Click the link on the page to see more pictures; http://www.snuffstore.co.uk/silver-snuff-plain-pb452-p-410.html

@transistor I’d say keep an eye on ebay…but just be careful! I’ve seen good reviews on the box that @toffeenose posted for ya.

I can vouch for the silver snuff box from snuffstore, my fiancee has got me one for my wedding present in a few weeks time, and I had a look at it to check it out first. Its a nice looking box, and doesnt leak. The inside isnt pretty, its quite clearly machined, but overall its a good looking, snuff proof nice sized box.

I got my wooden snuff box that I won on ebay today - it’s very nice looking, but is more of a small table box than one to carry about - the lid doesn’t close tightly enough for that. Hopefully this will link to the ebay page so you can see what it looks like, it’s about the size of a PC double. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330544781883#ht\\_500wt\\_1156

@toffeenose That’s a really nice looking snuff box. It’s quite original, I haven’t ever seen one quite like that. Kudos to you ma’am!!

Thank you, FischTix - I think I have enough wooden snuff boxes now, my next purchase will probably be one of those silver ones from snuff store. I think I might even go the whole hog and have it gold plated inside as it’s good for the snuff. I wonder how much that would cost…

@debbie nice box and cheap too, hope it serves you well. Stefan

Great purchase. For the price, what’s to loose?

hello all … love this thread … and it has me searching for a snuff box. question, for those in the know, papier mache boxes, functional or no? greatly appreciated!

ok thanks @toffeenose @koba22 that’s the box I want sucks the inside isn’t smooth though…

@transistor the inside is smooth, its just not been ‘finished’ as in polished up, so you can still see the machine marks. Apart from that its a great little box and I don’t think you’d be able to get another silver box for the price.

Hello all … I purchased a couple of snuff boxes … one from Snuff Store.uk, the Lady Head Silver one, small but interesting, which I wanted from them, with certainty of use for snuff … but also got this one online for around $26, with shipping, that looked promising. If anyone has a chance, could you scrutinize my purchase? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&\\_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=380327080989&si=KfNUuWdvjleUCtH7TdQhDQjvBa4%253D&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT#ht\\_2158wt\\_1139 If anything, it will just make for an interesting knick knack … thanks.

ok then that just might work! thanks @koba22!

I second Koba, transistor, its a good one, and worth the money. It just lacks that old-world charm, being brand new.

@snuffbrant The main complaint that I’ve heard about the small round snuff boxes are that they’re almost TOO small for snuff use, but you’ll have to be your own judge…I don’t own one myself. As far as your ebay purchase goes, if anything the lid might not close tightly enough for pocket use, but if this not the case, it’s great for the drier snuffs. I recently purchased one almost identical, and horn is very temperamental with temperature and humidity change…as long as the lid snaps shut you should be able to carry your drier coarser ground snuffs in this. keep us updated! = ) @transistor, if I had the $116, I’d go for it. I’ve heard nothing but good reviews from people that own one, and have yet to see a better priced authentic silver snuff box! Go for it bud! = )

@FischTix - thanks for taking time to look at the box - and yeah, I am inclined to agree with you - the lid is the wild card on the ebay purchase. And yeah, I believe the small rounds only hold 1 -2 grams of snuff, but are interesting looking - still, at the rate I have picked up this habit, I think I will be ordering from snuffgear - the PC boxes maybe - to hold more snuff for the day, I am pushing piles and piles up the schnauz As an aside, I cannot believe how wildly I have taken to this habit, or why I waited 9 months since starting snus, to incorporate snuff into my day in order to battle cigarettes. Love the smells, variety and ritual.

Dont have experiece with snuff boxes but looking at the 3 i own and ballacing with common sense i conclude that first of all the box must be wooden. .Secondly it must be as small as it can hold enough snuff for the trip out… Day. . Third i believe its best to choose one with a nice sliding lid. Now the reasons are obvious. One thing i know for sure ill never buy a metal. . Especially silver box again …at least for keeping my daily snuff in. I would probably buy one again only for the beauty of it. As far as I know silver is one of those metals that emanate a very strong scent which I personally do not enjoy in my snuff. moreover what I’ve experienced with my silver snuffbox is that it really dries the schmaltzers out fast. They do dry out in wooden boxes too but with silver i can’t manage to have a fresh schmaltzer for 12h… plastic is the way to go for them. One box that I would truly buy but cannot afford is this beauty : http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RARE-Antique-Georgian-SNUFF-BOX-Presented-1848-/140522101474?pt=UK\\_Collectables\\_Tobacciana\\_Smoking\\_LE&hash=item20b7c51ae2#ht\\_8031wt\\_1012 Its interesting to read the description if you like to know its story , sounds quite real to me

I’ve never heard of Silver leeching taste into something like snuff… I suppose it isn’t impossible though… I still want a silver box.

transistor the scent of metal is quite heavy in schmaltzers and especially moist snuffs …you will see for yourself. They are still beauties and worth for the collection and maybe some dry snuffs even though the one I got leaks snuff heavily though the hinge. Here is my silver box : http://www.snuffstore.co.uk/silver-snuff-celtic-knot-black-background-design-pb546-p-674.html Not quite sure what table top means, I suppose its made to be used on a flat surface. The box is a pain to open cannot avoid spilling half the snuff when opening it 4 out 5 times. Keeping this one on the table with the lid open will need some kind of support for the lid in order to not turn upside down because the lid is heavier than the bottom part even having it filled with snuff. A nice box indeed but useless for the daily snuffer.

@Andrei: That celtic knot box has no business being called a snuffbox. Its really a pill box or a trinket box. Its too small for any serious snuff use. Tabletop means its not meant to be carried in the pocket. It has a flat bottom and it sits on a table and waits for you to pass. Tabletop boxes are usually much larger than pocket boxes, whereas this one is much smaller than a pocket box. Please don’t blame this box for your dislike of silver. Silver is thought to be the best metal for snuffboxes because it does NOT give a scent. Still, you will have to rely on what others say as I have no experience with silver boxes. I know that brass is lousy and gives a funny smell. For schmalzler your best bet is one of the tradtional stone or porcellain bottles. I’ve been using these for a few months now and am quite happy with them. There is no drying out. Both of mine are from Bernards.

Hi Xander, Thanks for the input … I really don’t have much experience with silver boxes as I’ve said and boxes in general. I don’t own many but this one really isn’t for me. I wasn’t aware it contains any trace of brass in it, thought the silver alone gives the snuff the funny scent. Or are you just saying brass in general passes on the scent and silver would actually be perfect for storing snuff in? I will think about the bernard’s ones since I trust your opinion

That’s what I figured @Xander and thanks @andrei for your help. See- I knew BRASS gave off a taste- and it’s VERY noticeable. Pure Silver however shouldn’t… or atleast I think it doesn’t…

I’m saying brass in general has a funny scent. Mainly this is when it oxidizes. I doubt if there is brass in the celtic knot box. I cannot vouch for silver, but rely on the words of more experienced snuffbox owners.

I suppose these effects are to do with different rates of oxidisation of metal hastened by the mositure in the snuffs. Oxidisation does effect silver (slightly), but gold not at all. Is that about right? I’m using a Ziracote wooden style tap box with a dowel. Hardwoods impart nothing. I’m ok with this on a daily basis because I use a medium SP, onto the hand and I finish it each day, filling in the morning. Totally opposed to tap boxes from snuff makers. But if you’re using the anatomical snuff box with appropriate snuff, absolutely fine for a days supply. My problem is the opposite of ‘pinchers’ (who don’t like tap boxes at all, I suppose) in that a standard box involves another pass: pinching from the box onto the hand first… Perhaps there is a technique for tapping snuff from a flat box straight onto the hand without having to pinch it there.

Slide top boxes can be opened only slightly to accomodate back-of-hand or widely to accomodate pinching. If I pinch, I carry the pinch straight to the nose. The Patrick Collins triple-tech box incorporates the actual tap hole of a tap box and a sliding top. So by all means, the design that suits your needs should be the first criteria in selection, and material the second.

Despite not being suitable for my peferred style, a nice silver one would be just that, Nice. A delicate operation for me to tap the right quantity out of the box straight onto my hand though. I think I’ve seen this done somewhere. My view for what is is worth is that even a brass box would probably be fine provided it was thoroughly cleaned and filled daily. Certainly silver would be OK on this sort of basis. Gold wash would be the icing on the cake but of very little practical value. Who would want to leave his/her snuff in a portable box for ages? Perhaps it would obviate the need for daily dusting/cleaning- but would that benefit the snuff? Very Nice though.

updated my post on page 3 with pictures. edm

@petersuki I second @Xander! If you’re looking for a box and your preferred method is back-of-hand, then I couldn’t think of a better box than a PC tripletech (PC3T). Perfect IMHO. Just slide the lid over and use it as a tap box!

transistor I’m using a zirecote box with a dowel. I always pour the SG SP HM I use at work onto my hand so it works very well. Snuffstore have one example of this type of box in lilac wood; take a look. Absolutely fine, and a nice object. No leaks. But you can’t really pinch from it, - not that I need to. Now a triple tech in silver, that would be something to lust after! Probably wouldn’t work though. And how many people would take the trouble to have the inside of such a box gold washed (‘for the sake of the snuff’)?

You can buy round silver tap boxes, snuffstore I think.

Many Thanks Snuffster. I checked the site out but the silver ones all appear to be hinged. I suppose it might be possible to get a small ‘flask’ style one (a la Toque), in silver - these have a cap which I can see myself dropping all the time! I’d be interested in a rectangular silver tap box. But I’m not sure how it would work (filling and dispensing) and have never seen such a thing. Perhaps I’ll design and commission one when my ship comes in!

Round silver tap out style boxes exist. Some of the German stores used to carry them. Keep your eyes open and don’t forget ebay.

I’m a pincher

@transistor Then that silver box was made especially for you man!! If you want a decent substitute for what ever reason(finances etc.) the heartwood boxes from Mr. Snuff work great, especially the Teak 2", not quite as classy, but it gets the job done at a helluva price, and it’s the perfect size for a nice pinch. Yea I said it…Pinch that box…lol!!!

Xander Is that German ‘silver’ or ‘German’ silver? How is your German? How do I search for ‘German round silver snuff box’ in German? Any takers?

@ petersuki PM ermtony.

Thanks SnuffHead. getting the hang of PM I think I might have sent multiple messages. Hope he doesn’t mind being disturbed on his unbirthday!

I don’t know. I just remember them. I had an eye on one at Rajek’s that had a sapphire in the flip lid, but he’s moved away from stocking snuff. Now he just has the chrome one that snuffster posted above, and its a pinch style by the look of it.

Xander Ermontony went straight to the point - more invaluable advice! : Sillem silber schupfdose. These look very nice and functional, but as he remarked the prices are ‘eyewatering’. Even the (still desirable) silverplate one is expensive. The German Snuff Store has a pewter one but my German is not up to reading the descriptions. I would be very interested in a sneezbox style in silver and will keep an eye out. As I’ve mentioned before I don’t keep snuff in these boxes for more than a few hours.

@FischTix ha ha Pinch it! Better than saying “flick the bean!” And I’m referring TONKA bean. LOL! Thanks, but I HAVE one of those heart boxes! I got the one with the little blue dot and (I wanna say yin-yang-ish) pattern. Talk about a great value! I got mine for like 16 usd!

The wooden snuffbox never had a shamrock. It’s a French box from between ca 1870-? I think they are still made? I have a couple of these, and when they are lined they keep the snuff really fresh. They ae regularly listed on ebay. I also got a snuff box today - a brass pocket box from ? The brass is really old, as it corrodes easily. A little bees’ wax and it was air tight again I paid 6.99GBP.

Both snuffstore and rajeks carry the round silver tap boxes from time to time. If anyone really wanted one Im sure Tim could do a special order. There is a review somewhere on the back pages from an old member callked Satyr. He reported it to be very well made.

Thanks Snuffster. Some very interesting info on those back pages. I’m settling on the need for a really nice box. You mention Rajek. I’ve tried to track him down without success. Have you a link? Peter

http://www.rajek.de/ But at the moment you will get > Hier entsteht eine neue Internetpräsenz! The site is under reconstruction.

SnuffHead Thanks. I very much like the look of the Sillems boxes. I’d be concerend about the longevity of any tiny moving part for a tap box in silver…I don’t think they are constructed like the Ozona tins.

Stefan Rajek’s site is currently at http://www.estatepipes.de/shop2\\_/

Finally scored on some of the French snuff boxes! They look to be in snuff worthy condition, although most of the mother of pear inlay is missing from the larger one. Still, at less than $10 shipped, it’s a super deal IMHO. Especially since I paid close to 60$ shipped for a brand new one. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&\\_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=250800127489&si=%252FovUFOK%252FOXiaJ1ZLex7PWUKg2xg%253D&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT#ht\\_500wt\\_1156

@FischTix Nice one! Nice two actually. That’s a steal! Also my compliments to your seller for a low opening bid and making no knowledge-free claims. Its so refreshing to see a four-leafed clover referred to as a “four-leaf clover” and not a “shamrock.” A shamrock has three leaves, you numbskulls, just like ordinary clovers!

@Xander LMAO! And thanks…I couldn’t believe they ended up going for so cheap. Folks usually throw some fancy wording in the description, and place the opening bid at $20 for just one…I feel pretty blessed to have gotten these so cheaply!

Nice shamrock pillbox, Fisch!

Actually a four leaved clover IS a shamrock with four leaves though not all shamrocks have four leaves the ones that do are considered lucky.

only on snuffhoue can you get such fascinating discussions.

Nope. quote: Not to be confused with four-leaf clover. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamrock http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four-leaf\\_clover

Touche -take that ya varmit…Excellent stuff. Sounds like semantics, where I rarely go. Wonder how Aristotle would have classified these weeds.

Only the somatic mutation of the shamrock leaf has any romantic value as lucky. Any other type of four-leaf clover would be considered valueless in this aspect.

Wow!! Who knew what a discussion this would cause…lol!! thanks for the ups fellas!! Can’t wait for my cheap finds to get here!!

I’ve finally decided to buy a silver snuffbox or schnupdose. I won’t go into the problems I am having landing it. I do not have German! This is not a matter of any concern for snuffster, though.

Just a piece of advice… check your local head shop. The one I go to for incense actually had about 6 heartwood boxes. At about 15-25 USD

My first, and hopefully last expensive snuff box. Silver Sillems Schnupftabakdose, as it is advertised on a couple of German sites. (http://www.cigarworld.de/shop/detail.php4?artnr=80000209). Article number 1116 - solid silver (3116 plate: I have the 923 silver). A nice photo is also available @ Sillems.com\\site map\\accessories. Sillems produce a slightly more expensive box with a friction lid as far as I can tell and a clip dispenser. I was reluctant to buy this one as the clip (with plastic gasket?) and friction fit did not appeal, as being open to the ravages of wear and tear. (I do tend to wear and particularly tear things). The box is slightly larger in the hand than the Wilson’s 25 g tins. Beware! On filling the box with fin snuff and shaking vigorously a fine pepper pot effect was produced. This effect does not occur with schmaltlers and gros snuff. However, you can imagine that this was somewhat disappointing. The hinge is, so far, fine. Perhaps the lid will ‘bed down’. I can forgive this box quite a lot because it is very nice. It will be used for the coarser sorts and carried around in it’s chammy pouch. But the purist buyer may wish to disregard this one for the reason given. Value for money? A heavy premium is paid for that romantic Hanseatic Cross (Sapphire cabishon)! A nice object notwithstanding. I wanted to post some photos, but with these uploading speeds, life’s too short.

Hope you enjoy the box.

Yes. I think I will. The leakage only occurs with high mill style and vigorous shaking/ rotating - not I think with normal usage. Up to snuff for my purposes - vastly less spillage and wastage than I frequently manage with the Wilsons style friction boxes simply by opening and dipping into them. Yes, I’m content.

From the pic and your description it appears to be a table top snuff box that would explain its size and why it leaks since its meant to sit on a table not in your pocket, it does look very nice and would be a welcome addition to any desk or table

No. I think I have misled us there. It is SLIGHTLY larger than the Wilson’s 10 g tin. Not the 25 as I said. It is considerably smaller than the SG 25 g tins. Sits in the hand and pocket nicely. (5.5 cm). Not surprisingly, I’d say it was perfect for a heavy schmalzler user’s daily dose. (I’ll try to post a photo of it in the hand later when I have several hours in which to do something else.) I have just loaded it with some Sternecker schmalzler. It doesn’t leak at all even with vigorous shaking. Just what it says it is a: Schnupftabakdose completely fit for German purpose! I can’t shake a particle out of it.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Old-BAKELITE-Snuff-Box-1920s-ART-DECO-collectable-/260778832248?pt=UK\\_Collectables\\_Vintage\\_RL&hash=item3cb7a13178 Any thoughts on this one?

Having found it impossible to upload pictures to the site, I’ve simpley put it as my profile picture. As you can see it is not a desk snuff box. I have now loaded it with Kendall Brown. It is completely snuff proof with this and I do believe the lid IS acutally bedding down. I am growing more and more pleased with this. nunoH. That looks very nice. As the snuffster has warned us snuff proofness is the key…

Well it looks like a proper box designated for snuff… I also like this one http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Solid-Silver-Snuff-Pill-Box-1978-London-Imp-VN-/110680661966?pt=UK\\_Home\\_Garden\\_Decorative\\_Accents\\_LE&hash=item19c514dfce And your box looks nice, whats the height as I cant tell from that picture?

@nunoH I have one of those bakelite boxes, and whilst it is a beautiful thing, mine is not snuff proof. Snuffster and myself discussed them a while ago (i think on this thread) and apparently not many of them are, the lids are very ill fitting. I use mine, but as a table top box and it works well, its just if I used it day to day as a carry around one snuff would leak from one edge of the lid quite freely.

nunoH - very slighly deeper than a WoS 5 g tin. I am not sure about the 1978 box. Not my field… Be interesting to see what it fetches.

Thanks for the input. I decided its too risky to buy an old snuff box online so I just went for the Patrick Collins triple tech.

Can’t go wrong there.

@ nunoH, Think you did the right thing. Buying boxes on ebay must be like backing race horses. You may come up with a good win, once in a while. But be prepared for for a good few losers.

I absolutely love my PC3T. Best box I can think of.

Found this on ebay, thought it was quite unusual, anyone interested? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Georgian-Scottish-Papier-Mache-Hoof-Mull-Snuff-Box-/150601212605?pt=UK\\_Collectables\\_Tobacciana\\_Smoking\\_LE&hash=item23108822bd

I love my ‘Sharrow snuff’ box by Heartwood. Got it on holiday for about £15. It holds a good 10/15g. This type of box suits being well filled because the amount of snuff tends to act as a preservative, ie, you have a ‘core’ of snuff protecetd by the outer layer - the same way as a thin layer of paint drying before a thick layer does. I’ve been re-filling about every three days and the snuff is in great condition. Possibly not the most stylish box but extremely good value.

@Koba22 - I would want more pictures before buying something like this. If its a ‘bung’ type lid the cork may well have started to crumble, if its hinged - and is 200 years old - the hinges would need a good inspection as on papier mache boxes they were notoriously flimsy. As it stands in the picture it would make a nice collector piece but may not be very snuff friendly anymore. It seems to be a hinged one from the other picture but the lid seems a bit jagged either through poor manufacture or age. I’m guessing it wouldn’t make a great snuff storer. I would be asking why he thought it was Georgian? People tend to say Georgian or Victorian when something looks old and they don’t know very much. This type of thing was made right into the early 20th century; the lid picture is a transfer and this technique was used for a very long while making it harder to date; the style of clothes in the picure is not an accurate dating method as factories often produced the same style over many years. The picture seems a bit scarred. Its not a high price so you might take a punt with nothing much lost?

@Koba22 … that particular snuff box scared the piss outta me when i linked to it. woah!! … that is some statement snuffbox … nice!

@snuffbrant lol yeah it scared me to, It kinda looks like a massive beetle or something to me for some reason! @snuffster I probably would have a go (with more pics and information) but if I bought the thing I wouldnt be able to use it as the wife would kill me and bury me under the shed.

@koba22 I don’t like the new, shiney paint on it…

@transistor nah neither do I, I think thats why it made me think of a beetle, reminds me of shellac.

Good call, you could get something far nicer for the money.

I’d save my money for when you find something you just HAVE to have! I really really wish the Tom Buck Box was more pocket friendly- I really like the thing and it would be perfect for me! Considering it’s my #1 snuff!!

look on mcgaheys website, they have pocket pewter boxes

I’d love to get one of those table-top pewter boxes, would be great for my coffee table.

looking for advice about a snuffbox here: I have a wooden snuffbox with a sliding lid (like many of the ones here: http://mrsnuff.com/store/wooden-snuff-boxes-c-22\\_1\\_8.html ) and the lid has gotten loose from age and usage. What is the best way to tighten the seal? I can’t carry it around in my pocket because the lid slides around so easily.

Put it on the sink with you in the bathroom when you take a shower. Don’t use the exhause fan. This will cause the wood to swell just a tad and that will make the seal tighter. Unless your box is teak… but if that were the case you wouldn’t be having problems…

I’ll try that, thank you! Now I feel silly for not thinking of that… heh.

Some people use a little beeswax on the slide. Even a tiny smear of super glue, but you have to be very careful with that; ive got an old slide box that I’ve never been able to open again.

@snuffster that was my original plan but I think I’ll try the shower trick before I do that

@transistor that worked pretty well. It is still a bit too loose to be comfortable in my pocket but now at least I can leave it on my desk and not worry about knocking onto the floor and getting snuff everywhere (not really everywhere, this thing only holds 3-5g)

About the round Sillem silver snuffbox with sapphire: I had one years ago, sold it within a week, it’s a hassle to fill it up, is not airtight at all, snuff all over in my pockets, not worth the money they ask for IMO.

snuff-belgium. I feel I must rush to the defense of the Sillems box. You say ‘hassle to fill up’. I find that a curious criticism. Surely you open the lid and spoon your snuff in? Is this easier to accomplish with a rectangular box? I don’t follow. It does leak tiny particles of finer sorts but is completely impervious to schmalzlers and the gros sorts. It comes with a nice chammy leather pouch, if you are want to use it for very fine snuff. But I use a hardwood dowel box for my SP and this one for the rappees, for which purpose it is perfectly suitable. The hinge is not affected by the snuff and so on. On the whole I am content. The price is steep, as you say, and it is not recommended for everyone, but a very nice box… I’m pleased to have it.

@pike glad to help.

@petersuki Mine was difficult to open and close for filling up, almost as if both parts didn’t fit each other, the part that closed the opening was also far from closing it as it should that’s why I didn’t like it, maybe they are not all like that?

Snuff-Belgium. I see. You had the friction fit one. If you take a look at profile picture I’m running, you’ll see that I bought the slightly less expensive hinged lid one. I didn’t like the sound of the friction fit and fiddly bit on the front of the other one. If you go to the Betel/gutkha thread you’ll see a photo of the one I got beside some Indian gutkha…It’s currently loaded with GH Kendall Brown… what a mix!!!

One nice self-explanatory box. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280666401947&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNAFP:US:1123

Theres a couple of these on ebay, if anyones interested?? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250820977951&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

The papier mache box is great although it might not be very practical as the seal on these gets loose with time, they also have delicate hinges. Great as something to start a collection with though. A touch over priced at 45GBP - 30 more like. The beechwood box is very useable and robust; Ive had a couple of these - they don’t keep snuff very well and it tends to get dry and gritty over about half a day but if you can live with that or just use it for dry snuffs they are very good.

@snuffster , that sounds fair enough, I just happened to see it and at £5.99 inc p&p I thought ‘can’t go wrong’! I’ll probably use it as one of my everyday boxes, most of my snuffs are dry-ish anyway, so it should be fine. I’m glad its robust though, my others have taken a bit of a battering.

No, you can’t go wrong at that price. They are good boxes and Ive not seen one new for a long while so a nice catch.

Just a general word on buying old snuff brand cans. Obviously, people spend how they want to spend and it’s their business, but with the possible exception of maybe something like an 18th century original Fribourg and Treyer cannister owned by King George, old snuff tins have little or no value. Anyone selling old cans on ebay for tens of £/$ either doesn’t know that or does know it but is effectively trying to con the unwary. Also, a lot of cans have a retro look and its only relatively recently that health warnings were printed on them - so a rusty old tin may look like a piece of Victoriana when its anything but (eg the battered, modern Camel Snus tin someone hopefully posted on Ebay) - and people buy them. Nothing wrong with collecting old cans just be aware of what they are realy worth.

Like that lady that kept coming on here about the old Maccoboy bottle. $150 for what was only worth about $5.

150 is about what I’d bet that she is a crackhead

Any of you USA fellows interested in this? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1988-German-Olympics-Snuff-Bottles-Tin-Box-Collection-/360323787313?pt=LH\\_DefaultDomain\\_2&hash=item53e4f8aa31

Now that is nice and worth the price.

If you’ve got money to burn…? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/UNUSUAL-FINE-BONE-ZULU-SNUFF-SPOON-AROUND-1880-/220785422910?pt=LH\\_DefaultDomain\\_0&hash=item3367d6323e Or prehaps a little more in peoples price range? (certainly in mine!) http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VINTAGE-GERMAN-POSCHL-SNUFF-VARIETY-KIT-NEW-OLD-STOCK-/260790256923?pt=LH\\_DefaultDomain\\_0&hash=item3cb84f851b

Im sure you can still get the Poschl box set new. It was on Rajeks til last year at least, so don’t bid too high.

Has anyone bought one of the McGahey’s wooden fliptop boxes? http://www.the-tobacconist.co.uk/snuff\\_acc\\_menu.asp?offset=3 Any comments on quality, snuffproofness and which wood is used would be welcome. McGahey seems to be the only place that has these available new, I would be interested if anyone knows of another online retailer for these. Ah, sounds like these are Grudgings imported French Jura boxes. I am tempted but I kind of wanted one with metal ends. Maybe an Ebay.fr search will turn something up that isn’t knackered.

I tried to buy one of those flip top boxes from McGahey a few months ago but they said they were out of stock

O.K thanks, just been reading the other threads and it seems like I have missed the boat on getting one of these new.

The Mcgaheys are French tabattieres, and are superb. These are not the ones with the metal ends, according to Philips, they are the Jura boxes. I have seen another site selling the shamrock boxes and I believe I mentioned it on this thread, but for the life of me I can’t remember which.

OK, so McGahey’s have no stock and the other links provided on the thread show no stock either. Never mind, I am now searching ebay.fr and .de.

I got one of the clover flip top boxes that snuffster mentioned and they’re great snuff boxes

I’ve just received my new silver snuffbox from Snuffstore (PB508) and it really is a beautiful object. At just over 6cm long it’s probably the perfect size for a pocket snuff. The hinge runs the length of the box and is the type that any decent (and genuine) hinged metal snuffbox will have, pill boxes usually having a small central hinge that clogs with snuff with a few seconds use. Shaking the box over a piece of paper reveals a very slight leak on both ends, just a few grains, but I was able to eliminate this by squeezing the snuffbox a little, in effect closing the leak off. You need to be very cautious when doing this kind of thing but done properly a good percentage of leaky metal snuffs can be brought back to acceptable tolerances. I look at it as just a bit of fine tuning. The box opens and closes with a just perceptible snap and is made of highly polished silver with a very fine, simple decoration incised on the lid. This snuff comes in a smart presentation box with the UK silversmiths Ari.D.Norman named on the lid. At £84.50 it’s not a budget buy (and of course ebay is an option if you are not in a hurry and counting costs) but worth every penny for me to get it brand new and quickly despatched. If you are in the market for a new silver snuff then I highly recommend one of these.

nice, snuffster … very nice.

Very nice snuffster. On the low end of the budget there are some functional candy tins that work quite well as a fashionable snuff box. I have tested them for leaks by shaking them over paper and even tossing them on the floor. This probably won’t appeal to the purist but they do make for some cool and inexpensive (and easily replaced) snuff boxes. The Chamber’s Candy Co. in England makes these. The secret is in the plastic inner container which forms a double seal against the lid. The Shakespeare tin is just over 40mm in diameter and holds 0.3 ozs. The larger oval tins are about 55mm x 40mm and holds 0.4 ozs. They have several designs to choose from.

@snuffster That’s awesome! That’s exactly the type of silver snuffbox I’m interested in! I was actually gonna get another tripletech but I guess I solved that problem! Something I"ve noticed though that makes me a bit hesitant is the fact that I’ve heard alot about silver boxes leaking. Is this a common problem and have you ever seen one that didn’t?

@Spyro Cheap is good, they look like something from snuffstore anyway! Snus cans - de-labelled - make fairly sleak, airtight snuffboxes. The one below is a General Onyx can. @Transistor - I’ve had many, many metal snuffboxes over the years. The only one I have had that is 100% leak free is an unreplaceable old snuff box of near miraculous crafstmanship, the closure being a thing of beauty. Everything else leaks to a greater or lesser degree. But, with metal - even harder metals like silver - you can often get rid of the leak with some firm pressure here and there. The one above leaked just a few grains when vigerously shaken, as I expected it to. Once I worked out where the leak came from I just applied a bit of pressure and, in effect, re-shaped it and it’s now leak free. Actually, the leak was liveable with because you don’t go around shaking the *&^%$ out of your snuff box, but I’m a purist and knew how to fix it, so I did. I don’t believe there is a new silver snuffbox - maybe excepting the very expensive Regnas boxes (but I’ve never held one) - that won’t dump a few grains out. I liken it to the setting up you have to do with a new electric guitar. It’s such a common issue that I just accept it as part and parcel of silver snuffs, which I think are the absolute mark of a snuff taker.

@snuffster I would LOVE one- I’m definitely a silver/white gold type guy. It’s just the price that gets me- I think if I have 100 bucks to spend it’ll probably go to snuff- but one of these days I’d love to have a nice and thin silver box. The one you showed looks excellent! Thanks

They sure cost, no two ways about that and they were a distant dream for me for a long while. I would keep a casual eye on ebay - sometimes that can really work out.

I plan to buy one of these silver boxes, glad to hear they work well. You can buy these silver snuff boxes direct from Ari D Norman, at slightly less cost, the plain one is a bit cheaper still. Just won a shamrock snuff box on e-bay for £13 and it looks to be serviceable, fingers crossed. Not sure about the hinge, as it does not appear to be of an airtight design. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130536698377&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

My understanding is that mithril makes for the best snuffboxes. Its light as a feather, but stronger than steel. It is always 100% leak-proof, because it can only be forged by dwarves, and their craftsmanship is beyond compare. Also, it would be very non-dwarvish to spill snuff, as we all know they are notorious cheapskates. Of course the cost is quite high, and you have to know where a dwarf colony is, and also you have to know how to bargain with them. The bargaining alone is enough to send most would-be purchasers home in frustration. Anyway, I hear there is a dwarf colony up somwhere on the Appalachian trail. I think close to where bob lives. I need to check it out.

This is a serious thread about a serious subject. If you are implying that Bob is a dwarf, kindly come straight out and say it. I have had my own suspicions - in the old ‘faces of snuffhouse members’ Bob can be seen to be carrying an axe in his belt and is obviously looking, off shot, at Galadriel with a whistful look on his heavily bearded face. But such in depth knowledge about mithril, as you seem to posses, suggests that you are either in league with Sauron or have an unhealthy awareness of what dwarfs get up to in the mountains.

No, I’m being quite serious. If Bob is a Dwarf, that’s for him to say, or even if he’s a Dwarf sympathizer. But the same could be said about many of us who would admit “they’re not all bad.” As far as I go, no, I have no connection with he who shall not be named. If he works in mithril, that’s his business. As far as I know, he only makes rings and not snuffboxes. For myself, I have made one or two aquantences in my time who know someone who who has a friend who knows a dwarf, or possibly a hobbit, but that’s as far as I go. Hobbits can make some good snuff, but as far as snuffboxes go, they are hit and miss.

@Khalid - your shamrock snuff box will, with almost 100% certainty, be fine. These wear very slowly and opened properly the hinges last a lifetime; unless there is visible damage it will be great. Make sure you get into the habit of opening it using four fingers with the box flat in your other hand. I think there is a diagram back on this thread that shows how. @Xander - sorry, I’m just uncomfortable with this conversation. I don’t want to start a big PC thing off, but in my town there are some streets you just don’t go down. Mining little &^%$ers.

Ok. I’m done. Just remeber, not all miners are dwarves. Orcs are diggers too, and half-orcs. That’s all I have to say about this.

OK. Maybe I’ll make a policy change.

@khalid I have one of those clover snuff boxes and I assure you that they are excellent snuff boxes and are quite snuff proof. They have a very tight fitting lid and there is only one way to open them, PhilipS posted how to open them in one of the earlier posts in this thread. To the best of my knowledge these boxes aren’t made anymore so great score, you won’t be disappointed.

@xander I didn’t know hobbits used snuff I thought they only smoked pipes. Although old Toby and longbottom leaf probably make good snuff. Now to sure about southern star though.

@khalid thanks for that link WOW great prices! I now have a silver snuff box on my christmas list… only 6 months to go!

I know that hobbits smoke weed… but making snuffboxes?? @xander P.S. Did you say there’s a “faces of snuffhouse” thread? I did a search but could not find it. It’d be cool to see some faces of who I chat with on a daily basis- could you post a link maybe?

I’am not a dwarf but my brother is.

@snuffster I 2nd the squeezing of a silver box. I got the plain silver box from snuffstore as a wedding present off my wife, Looks amazing, feels amazing…but leaked! Disaster. But no, wrapped it in a tea-towel and gave it a firm but gentle squeeze in the palm of my hand and now I use it ever day. Same as with yours, fine bit of leakage when you shake it vigorously, but it lives in my pocket, and I don’t run much…

With you there. For some reason I always thought that a ‘real’ snuffbox had to be completely, totally airtight, like the snuff boxes of the 18th century in the great hey-day of snuff taking. Except that they never were airtight which is why all the surviving literature dictates you only put a day’s worth of snuff in them - because they leaked like buggery! Even more than modern ones probably as their machining tolerances were much coarser. By the time I had purchased about my 10th snuffbox I realised that virtually all of them, even some of the best, will dump a few grains on you. It just doesn’t matter though. You really need a bespoke box by a master craftsman to be 100% leak free on a silver snuff. The funny thing is though that I have one of those and the snuff doesn’t really keep any better because you are opening the thing all day long.

If your snuff box only leaks a few specks of snuff with vigorous shaking than as far as I’m concerned it is snuff proof, as long as you don’t end up with a pocket full of snuff its all good

True.

So, my shamrock/clover box arrived and leaks something terrible. I put some Toque natural in and it leaked like a sieve. Shame, it is a handsome box. Anybody had any luck in reconditioning these boxes?

Two things you can do, but both come with possible risks: 1. Have a hot shower and leave the box open in the shower room. Might sound insane but if the leak is because the whole box has just slackened up with age the very slight swelling that the humidity will cause can tighten it up. 2. Rub some beeswax around the seal - it can have the same effect. Some people have had success with a very slight smear of superglue but be warned, I have a box that will never open again because of that, so leave it to dry. Obviously, it won’t come off once applied. Left too long the shower version could, conceivably, warp the lid. But if it leaks you are probably not risking that much. Both techniques are more likely to not work than work in all fairness.

@khalid that really sucks, I have one of those and it only has very minor leaks with very vigorous shaking and is not a problem in the pocket. Its looking like someone f*cked it up and then put it on ebay

Luckily I got a new clover box from James Barber’s a couple of years ago. A brilliant box, just a shame they aren’t made anymore. I have the plain version of Nigel’s box, I got it from Snuffstore, also an excellent box. Stefan

Yes James Barbers is where I got my box, I coudn’t remember where I got it but seeing that just clicked. I believe I got one of the last ones.

So, with nothing to lose, I put the box (open) in a steamer for a few minutes and tightened it up a treat. There was still a bit of leakage around the hinge but some glycerine soap sorted that. Oiled the wood with olive oil and vinegar and she is good to go. Thanks for the advice. I guess it had been stored somewhere very dry.

Found this on ebay, can anyone translate it for me? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GERMAN-IRON-CROSS-EAGLE-SNUFF-TIN-SNUFF-BOX-LUFTWAFFE-/270781214015?pt=UK\\_Collectables\\_Tobacciana\\_Smoking\\_LE&hash=item3f0bd16d3f Not sure its for snuff, but I could be wrong!

Reichmarshall Goering, chief of the Luftwaffe, my German runs out at that point!. I’ve not seen a Nazi era snuff before - not to say they didn’t make any but it’s as likely to be a candy tin; they made massive amounts of souvenir stuff, some with pretty banal uses. Certainly looks as though it could work for snuff but you just don’t know how good the seal is. Cool collectors piece, doubtful snuff box.

definatly not a tin for everyday use. Might get tired of explaining. Remember the worst part won’t be the people it might offend but the people that might tell you how great it is.

Very good point.

You can often explain to people that are offended how you feel and have everything go smoothly. The people who appreciate such things for all the wrong reasons usaly aren’t the kind of people who you can explain things to, though I would not be offended if you kicked them between the legs.

ha ha bob’s funny

Looks nice … item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=320724832083&index=24&nav=SEARCH&nid=24674927788

I’ve got a few bits and pieces of war related stuff like that, most of it is WW1 though, Trench Art. The thing with the Nazi stuff is, you can collect it for two reasons; you either love the Nazis, or you see collecting the stuff as a symbol of the Allied victory over them. Something like that anyway… I just think its a really interesting piece, bit out of my price range at the moment though which is a shame.

Well, you have lost a piece of wartime memorabilia, but I doubt you have lost a very good snuff box, so the cloud has a silver lining.

A bit OT but hey ho. When my German great Auntie died a few years ago, going through her stuff we found all sorts of things from her childhood relating to the Nazi’s. We found books, the kids got issued with from the Hitler Jugend, Reichmark banknotes and a couple of badges. Reading through the books, the amount of brainwashing going on was unbelieveable. She was born in 1925, so was 8 when the Nazi’s came to power. Talking to her a few months before she died about the war, she found as a kid being brainwashed, and living in a totalitarian society was just “normal” for everybody at that time. Looking back on it she was sad that she had her childhood robbed by the enviroment, and mind control that was going on. And after the war she found it hard to accept that everything she had been told as a kid by, anybody in authority, (teachers, preists etc.) was a viscious lie. Her biggest regret was that she lost her childhood to a monstrous cult. Her parents were from Luxembourg so weren’t sympathetic in anyway to the Nazi’s, but had to keep up appearences so the Gestapo didn’t get hold of them. They told my auntie and her siblings that the Nazi way was wrong, but when you as a kid are being brainwashed from everybody else in authority it was hard for her to see what was right and wrong. At the end of the war she met my Grandma’s brother, who was in the English army rebuilding Germany. They got married soon after and were so until my uncle’s death in 2003. Sorry about being OT, but thought it would be interesting to share. Stefan

And it was, thanks Stefan. A dark but fascinating time. When I worked in hate crime I met the author of ‘An Englishman in Auschwitz’, an English Jew who just got caught up in the wrong country as war was declared. 60 odd years later we had to deal with his front door getting swastikas’s sprayed on it. The nazi evil still lurks.

It was really interesting talking to her about it. A whole other world. It’s like my dad, he’s going out with a Romanian, who was bought up under Ceaucescu (spelling ?). Again, it’s like seeing an alien world. I’m just glad we live where we live. Stefan

With you there…

Agree…

I really thought I wanted one of those wood snuff boxes, but had imagined that it would have a clover on it! Well, this one will be on the way to me this next week. Anyone seen one like it or know anything about it’s origin. Claiming to be German made and that’s all I have to go on at this time. http://cgi.ebay.com/320725974701

The clover boxes are French, made in the Jura region, and also have other designs on them - lady’s head, scroll work etc and this is almost certainly one of them - they were exported to Germany not made there. The inlay is a nickel alloy, not silver, called maillechort. Excellent boxes and no reason why this should not still be a great snuff box.

Why do you need a snuff box? I’ve never understood this. Unless you buy several or use smash-boxes as well, using a snuff box limits you to one snuff. That’s contrary to how I snuff. I like to keep about 4-5 different snuffs on the go at all times, so I use smashboxes instead. They work great, and are cheap as f**k. I’m glad others enjoy these contraptions but I’m still to be sold on the idea. I’d rather spend the money on more snuff!

I’m with you on the reasoning Oscar, I carry 10-20 different kinds at all times in my truck (in a plastic 2lb coffee container) I threw that in for my level of class revealed, yeah, working class. So to spend $60 on a wood box that holds just ONE snuff IS weird. It’s for appearances sake I think more than anything, maybe something to grab someone’s interest, who knows…

Like I’ve said somewhere else on here, I typically have either my silver or wooden box on me with one type of SP, and I’ll use that all day. I believe there are quite a few others that ‘opperate’ in this way, but then there are people who switch and swap all day, its personnal preference. Like hooked says, appearance is a main thing with a box, but I just like the whole ritural involved with having a nice silver box.

I think having a nice silver or wood snuff box adds to the snuff experience.

@oscarwabbit We all know you’d rather buy MORE SNUFF. As if you need anymore! ha ha I also like the smashboxes, but I really like my snuffbox for the snuff I’m taking the most of ATM. Such as Tom Buck. Then I’ll occassionally pinch out of the smashers as well. Usually I limit myself to one PRIMARY snuff throughout the day with several different “desserts” at certain times…

Great thing to have for the snuffs you buy in bulk. So kind of ends up a money saver after some time. If you do it that way. Hooked don’t worry I can’t afford a snuff box not really. (which is to say sure I could but then what about food).

Why a snuff box: because a good one is a beautiful thing, because they make taking a pinch feel more luxurious than something taken out of a tin with a health warning on it, because they are elegant, because some people only ever use one snuff at a time, like me, because every pinch is a moment of pleasure and a snuff box suits that moment. Pleasure. Like. Dislike…all 100% subjective.

NOT subjective! Snuff boxes rule!

Speaking of which, what snuff boxes are you using at the moment?

When the postman arrived with my Nathaniel Mills silver snuffbox (Birmingham 1837) I filled it up with J&H Wilsons top mill. Oh! how it changed my snuff taking. You can’t beat a good box!

@snuffster I’m using my Teak and and my Zebra wood Tripletechs. I love those boxes. I also have a soft spot for smashboxes. Oh how I wish I could find a double compartment tripletech. That would be ultimate IMO. But right now just been carrying both Tripletechs. Still looking for an affordable, smooth and plain silver box.

Anyone into their snuff bottles? Got a few hundred Pounds or Dollars spare? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1867-LUDWIG-II-Pewter-Portrait-Snuff-Flask-w-Duster-NR-/220730556987?pt=Antiques\\_Decorative\\_Arts&hash=item336491023b

I think he just pulled the price out of the air because its seemingly old and therefore worth lots. There’s a long spiel about Ludwig, all very nice, and hardly anything about the flask apart from its pewter and he thinks its from the 1800s. I just don’t see it being worth what he’s asking. Any flask experts out there with an opinion?

I agree @snuffster, I just put it up for a laugh! £330 for it is a joke, but I do love the fact hes just copied and pasted a wikipedia page onto the auction.

I love these jokers, if its old and looks like a snuff holder put a few notes on the end of the first figure that springs to mind. I wouldn’t assume an old violin - which I know equally nothing about - was worth a load of cash, so there’s not excuse.

I just wanted to announce that I couldn’t be more pleased with the new old wood box, the picture in the E-bay listing didn’t do it any justice. I don’t know what I was thinking about the construction of these boxes, like they were pieced together by the brass metal on the ends? Mine isn’t adorn with any metal on the ends of the box, and duh, it’s a solid piece of wood that it’s made from. I like those moments…

I’m selling my silver snuffbox dating 1854 Exchanged it with Gsnuff for 2 razors

am interested… and just happen to have the Feather sending PM

Do I have the right Feather?

@ Gsnuff mail send, thanks

I just acquired a wooden snuffbox, completely hand-carved in Sweden in 1914, in an eBay deal. It’s showing a good deal of wear, and likely will leak. I reckon it will be more of a conversation piece than anything else. But someone went to great pains to make it, and to carve a deer on the lid. I can’t help but think some (talented) amateur woodcarver spent hours and hours making it for a beloved snuffer, and that’s why I bid on it. Fortunately it didn’t cost much. I tried to post a link to photos, but it doesn’t appear to be working. If I can figure out why, I’ll add one later.

@PipenSnusnSnuff: That shows you are a real snuffing gentleman.

This beautiful one I have received yesterday. It’s great and I just feel fine putting my daily SP into it and carrying it around.

It works ok with no leaks? That spring button is usually on pill boxes, with a single hinge directly opposite which clogs with snuff.

Yes, nearly without leaks. Some very very few crumbs only. Nice.

Congratulations, it looks very nice indeed.

@Uwe: I’m flattered by your compliment, thanks very much. Nice score on the new snuffbox. Does the crest have any special significance, or is it merely decorative?

@PipenSnusnSnuff: Thanks. It’s the crest of the German Federal Land of Bavaria. See also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bavaria

Ah, Bavaria. I visited there in the early 1980’s. Beautiful region.

I wonder if it was some kind of limited edition from one of the German makers?

I don’t know. I have purchased it here: http://www.snuff-and-more.de/shop/Geschenke/Schnupftabakdose-Zinn--Bayern-.html

I’ve seen that box before. It is pretty.

Yes it is, and it’s working wonderful together with a silver snuff spoon. And: 20 Euro is a good prize for it, I think.

@snuff-belgium - I took the 1854 box out for a spin today … Wonderful! Not only is it classy and elegant, I was blown away by how much it holds. Something like 5g-10g. The fit of the lid is perfect…not a single crumb. I am looking forward to giving it serious pocket time. Thanks for a great trade!

A feather is presumably one hell of a razor if you can swap it for a silver snuff box.

lol Snuffster

Feather was just the opening offer. In the end, we both came out ahead of the game.

Hello I thought you guys would be interested in my eBay France win http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120755321854&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT I got fed up of being outside on eBay UK so started looking on France and Germany with the help of Google translate I recommend it.

I’m packing the box from snuff-belgium (filled with Quit) and was concerned about scratches from other pocket metal like keys and coins. So I made my snuffbox a snuffwallet. Now Im thinking… a briefcase for the wallet?

@Gsnuff … sounds like those russian nesting dolls … one inside the other, inside the other, etc. only for snuffboxes, wallets, briefcases, etc.

… you’re on to something… ya think there is a market for a babushka snuffbox? Just a single small doll with snuff inside. The top half could have a spoon attached! I couldn’t find a single one on the internet, so we would have first mover advantage. All we need is a patent… think its ‘nonobviouse’?

Just bought this on ebay, drunken impulse and paid a bit more than I would have liked. The shape appealed to me. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160624571438&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT @theratroom Nice looking box. +1 on the ebay.fr and ebay.de.

Gsnuff … you get all the credit … could be a surprise snuff at the center … ha!

@ Gsnuff That’s a nice snuffwallet, would be a shame if the box got scratches. I’ve honed the dovo and test shaved with it, it’s going to be a present for someone someday as I prefer to shave with 6/8" or bigger myself. The Feather has been used a few times, haven’t cut myself so far, I think all the horror story’s on the shave forums are a bit exaggerated, if you are careful it shaves great. Wouldn’t be my only razor however as I would miss the honing and stropping of a straight razor. Glad you enjoyed the snuff box! Greets Ron

@khalid congratulations on the box. I was bidding on that one too but it went higher than I wanted to pay for it. Still a good price though.maybe we should start a thread pointing to eBay auctions and try and work out a way so that forum members are not bidding against each other and pushing up prices. That way we might all get more bargains. What does everyone else think.

@theratroom Ive seen similar disscussions in other forums (mostly shaving). At ‘BadgerAndBlade’ there is a policy forbidding the mention of specific auctions. If a thread was established here, it would have all the advantages you mention. It would also be fun! The downside, if I understand correctly, is the potential for abuse. Sellers would all become snuffhouse members just to pump their boxes. Buyer, Seller, Member, Nonmember are all fluid and change overnight. If you get hyper logical about the whole thing, some buyer will join a thread, encourage everyone to collude and keep the price low, just so he can snipe it at a bargain under a different username. (I love mankind BTW, but people suck [Snoopy]). Finally, even if we could guarantee that our guys don’t over-bid (they all post $1000 bonds to a third party) some dealer will swoop in. That all said, I actually like the idea of a thread pointing to auctions with informal discussion. In the long run, more information and more competition keeps markets working the way we want them too. Even for snuffboxes! Sorry… that was wordy. I get excited about mechanisms for the optimal allocation of value. Auctions only shift value one way or the other.

If you want to alert each other to snuff boxes on sale on ebay do it here on this thread. The potential for abuse from people joining just to use Snuffhouse as a platform to snipe is more or less nil because new members have to be ok’d by me or Snuffhead, so if some one I’ve just accepted jumps straight to dealing on here they will be gone pretty quick. Legit members talking about whats on offer are one thing but we’re not going to turn into a vehicle for ebay.

@Gsnuff you have very good points that I did just not think about . The one thing that does irritate me is the knowledge that a lot of the boxes are going to box collectors so are not cherished and loved as much as they could be. they most of the time just sit sad on a shelf and the saddest thing is they never get used for the purpose they where made for. which if you ask me is an insult to the artist who made them.

yeah but collectors keep the boxs in good condition for the future.

@theratroom As a, very, nonprofessional artist I have to agree with you 100%. There IS room for optimism however since those who truely love an ebay box , want to use it and enjoy it … value the box the most. In other words, people who truly love these boxes are willing to pay the most for them and usually win the auctions as a result (private value vs. common value auctions). This is why sellers would love to publish their ebay link here in the forum. We are the high value bidders. Now, are you saying that it’s the COLLECTORS that actually value the box the most (and bid the highest) but the box never gets USED as the functional piece of art it was designed to be? The counter to that could be - if the collector has the highest bid at the end of the day, then they DO ‘cherish’ the box the most and should own it. The problem could be IF ‘collectors’ and ‘users/lovers’ have different amounts of disposable income. This could be true. Then collectors have an ‘unfair’ advantage. [The economists will forgive me here]. BTW, im NOT disagreeing or judging anything here … just enjoying the discussion! One simple solution to abuse of the forum can be, as @Snuffster points out, regulation and active enforcement. That will work fine here due to small numbers. When the mod/member ratio tops 1/1000’s, and you cant get to all the posts, is when policy changes become more efficient solutions. As Ive just discovered the snuffbox market myself, Im sort of suprised the ebay sellers are not all over this place. sorry… long post

@GSNUFF No sadly as a collector of something else (star wars memorabilia. Sad I know). I know how the collectors mind works and it is a perverse desire to acquire and own rather than love and cherish and in some cases you will bid as much if not more as you can afford. At least in my obsession I am only bidding against other weirdos and not some little kid (i hope) who actually wants to play with the toy. Which was its intended purpose and yes they do sit on shelves and in cabinets and in cardboard boxes and in the loft. You get the picture. So I recon that is what snuff box collectors who don’t use snuff are like. I could be wrong though. And yes I do get the hypocrisy of the artist and intended purpose. But what I am collecting was created in the hundreds and thousands not lovingly hand crafted.

@theratroom I went through that with both razors and pocket knives. Too many auctions, too high bids. Ugh. As for Star Wars, I had (and put together) a 35 yr old scale reproduction of the bridge. Worked on it for days. Unfortunately, 34 years ago, another 7yr kid saw the circular piece of plastic (it was the bridge after all) and decided it was a frisbee. Why he aimed for the wall is beyond me. Otherwise, it would be yours!

Two things to remember: 1. Most buyers and sellers of snufboxes are not even aware that snuff is still used in this age. Further, most snufftakers here don’t have a single proper snuffbox, although some have several. 2. Most sellers of snuffboxes have no idea what a snuffbox is, and will label anything that is a small container with a lid a “snuffbox.” The burden is very heavy on the buyer to be discriminating.

@xander I just spent 30min on the bay discovering the truth behind your words. Any cheap plastic box for the wifes earings becomes a ‘snuffbox’. Gonna try making my own.

I have enough snuffboxes for my rotation so no competition here. Although I don’t have a silver snuff box, I will buy it new when I get one.

@Gsnuff I don’t know which bridge you are talking about whether it was the millennium falcon dethstar or any of the others it would have been very nice thank you. Unless you are confusing star wars and star treck. The enterprise had a circular bridge .

The bridge was out. That’s why they had to use the grappling hook and swing across.

@theratroom ugh… im a moron… enterprise

@Gsnuff you are not a moron it is a common mistake. Trekies seem to get upset about it but in my experience star wars fanatics don’t mind as we like star treck aswell. Still I wouldn’t of minded a model of the enterprise bridge it would of looked cool in my hobby room.

Ok I got my new box today from ebay France. Here it is. I am happy with it even though it was quite expensive at €30 with p&p it is in good condition and has the satisfying snap close. my question is does anyone have any idea how old it is.

Impossible to say. They were produced for decades in the Jura region, and 30E is not expensive for a good one. When a snuff box lacks a dateable makers mark or hallmark its a guessing game, could be an old one in great condition or newer one in ok shape. My guess: 1970s onwards - it has a well cared for but used look.

Looking more close the metal is worn, with use. I have one similar mine is said to be from the 1920’s I’ve enlarge the first photo.

It has definatly had some use. The lettering is worn and the wood has a lovely patina. I did think it would be impossible to date but thanks for the suggestions .

This was made for the French market. I’ve never seen boxes with ‘La Bretonne’ sold anywhere outside France or ‘La Jurassienne’ (Jurassic Alps) outside France or Switzerland. Given that snuff in France was in sharp decline at the end of the 1970s (the last steam powered snuff mill at Morlaix closed in 1982, alas) the box would probably have been made prior to that time. At a guess - between 1960 and 1980. The condition looks too good to be much older. Metal ended boxes are better than just wood as cracks are less likely to develop at the ends of the hinge. Even so, care must be taken in opening by sliding four fingers under the hinge and flexing. They are also designed to be placed upright when not in the pocket and still containing snuff. The snuff gathers at one end and greatly minimises dehydration. To see if the box has had much use open it up and look under the hinge. If it isn’t fouled then it has either been cleaned or has not seen much use.

I love these types of snuff boxes.

Anybody know thw average asking price on ebay? I’ve always had the clover leaf types but never one of these - now they are coming up regularly I think I have missed something; my collection needs one.

Thanks @PhilipS and everyone else for your input.

Just fell of my chair laughing! Looking at snuff boxes on eBay An empty J&H Wilsons Medicated 99 tin Starting price 99p. +80p postage, At present no bids. I can take a 10 minute walk to my post office and get a new full tin for the same price! with no 80p for postage. Scroll to the bottom. http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?\\_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A1%257C72%253A5414&rt=nc&\\_nkw=snuff%20boxes&\\_trksid=p3286.c0.m14.l1513&\\_pgn=8

What do people think of the pewter scroll/tom buck table top boxes avalable at various places? I’m looking for a table box and these seem to fit the bill.

@Snuffhead: Yes, but that one is a collectible. It pre-dates the warning labels. I bought 4 different vintage ones of J&H Wilson on ebay. Two are of snuffs no longer made. They were pretty cheap too.

True reflections of the tin makers art.

Simon at My Smoking Shop has included some the rare collectable boxes, with my orders, from time to time. Saying: - Put in a free bee of old stock, for you to blend.

I saw some beautiful little boxes at a fair in Armstrong BC. They looked just like the boxes on mr.snuff but had some native art on the top. He said they were pillboxes, with magnets that kept them close. The seal wasnt tight enough to keep snuff though. I would have loved to buy a few, they were only around $10.

When I first started, I started collecting flasks/bottles rather than boxes. I have an especially good resource for these in an Indian store. I got a few chinese glass snuff bottles but these are too dainty to be used for anything but display. The porcelin on brass ones are much sturdier and can survive a full day in my pocket with some coin of the realm or even a jack knife. Their one weak point is that they have a cork stopper. For cheap and practical, I refill an empty Poschel President or Packard’s Club dispenser.

Yeah, Heartwood Creations makes “secret boxes” and they look very much like snuffboxes. You can buy them for as cheap as $9, if you just look for Heartwood boxes instead of snuffboxes. I broke down and bought a PC double compartment box and it is fantastic.

Patrick Collins’s boxes are the best on the market, he is a true craftsman. Heartwood’s are a close second though, simply because you can fit more in them, but that is a double edged sword. Depends on your consumption. Stefan

Howdydave, I’ve been reusing the same handful of Packard’s Club dispensers for years. They are well engineered and there is no rubber stopper to wear off like the President style. I think for dosing dispensers it’s the cheapest way to go.

I use one, fairly battered non collectable silver snuff box, always, from snuffstore. I know thry are pricey but they do make very good day to day boxes when all is said and done, once you’ve given them the odd pinch here and there to get them snuff proof.

I have 4 Heartwood boxes. 3 3" boxes (1 light & 1 dark Sharrow, 1 Pöschl.) 1 2" box (wood inlay.) Nothing else I would trust in my pocket all day (other than tap dispensers): An assortment of cork-plugged flasks, some Chinese glass flasks, some Tibetan silver flasks, a couple of little brass boxes and an old pocket vanity from which I removed the mirror (my first attempt at a snuffbox.)

Another thing that I used when I first started were the flip-top, air-tight plastic containers for 35 mm film. Digging around in my old box I found 5 of them: 2 empty, 1 Irish Coffee, 1 McChrystals and 1 Garrett’s Scotch. Don’t know how easy they are to find these days with digital cameras – but they work VERY well! Just print what is in the container, cut the printout into a little strip and tape the strip onto the container. After all these years I’d forgotten what a good decongestant Garrett’s Scotch is. It’s a lot easier on the nose now then it was when I first started too! Hints for the snuffer who can’t spend a fortune on snuffboxes.

I really wish I hadn’t waited so long to buy a Triple Tech. I’m so impressed with my new padauk that I ordered one of each wood type to complete the set. Yeah, its an extravagance but these things will last forever and someone has to promote the economy.

i did it as well, Spyro … i had no control over my TAD at that time … it’s slowly being tamed …

Well Spyro soon you will join the ranks with me and snuffbrant of those who have ALL the Triple Techs, best wooden snuff boxes money can buy.

n9inch … next up is probably the dual compartment PC box … checking snuffgear right now! just looked … patrick must be taking a break … tom only has 5 TT’s and one regular snuff box listed. bummer … will have to keep my eye on the site …

I just hope I caught Tom before he left for vacation. Once you’ve gone Triple Tech, there’s no going back. Each is a masterpiece for generations to come.

Just got this on ebay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/220846373258?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&\\_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 Been looking for a table-top box for a long time, so to get one for that price is fantastic. I think I might get my initials engraved below the design…because I’m sad like that! edit: Theres this one on as well for any F&T fans out there: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110737775442?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&\\_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Made in Sheffield? Any connection to Wilson’s or Sharrow Mills? Nice box btw, grats.

@Spyro, I wouldn’t have thought so. In Sheffield there is an assay office, which hallmarks precious metals. I know pewter isn’t precious as such, but I believe goes through a similar process. Stefan

re: Wood snuff boxes… Will a moist snuff leave a tobacco stain or possibly even an aroma in the box that might interfere with the purity of the next snuff that you put into it?

I might be way off on the Sheffield thing. I think I was having a senior moment or something. Ignore the man behind the curtain.

That round pewter snuff box is excellent, I had one for years - made by Commoys. It can be used perfectly well as a pocket snuff box btw. You don’t see many of these about either so its a good price. @ Spyro - Pewter doesn’t have to be assayed in the same way as Silver or Gold but some old pewter boxes have interesting makers marks that look like hallmarks. @ howdydave; never come across that. I’ve predominantly used wooden snuff boxes for over 30 years (Silver had to wait until I was an old guy) and never come across either staining or contamination, but…I don’t use things like Schmalzer which I suppose could possibly stain a light wood box.

wood snuff boxes will definitely absorb the scent of highy scented snuffs, and they will absorb moisture, which is why I tend to prefer metal boxes.

I have a snuff box on the way, it’s wood Mchrystals. I’ve been using a WOS small tin for a couple of weeks but I’m always worried the lid will unscrew in my pocket

I got my snuff box today it’s a wood sliding top, I filled it with about 2 grams which will last me today? How long will snuff stay good in a wooden box? It holds 5 grams I think I am using 2 a day tops

I use the wooden Wilson Snuff boxes. In my experience, after a day, they don’t keep well. I tend to store snuff in bell jars then dispense into the wooden snuff box. You will notice a huge difference in taste and enjoyment between a fresh snuff and one that has been sitting in the wooden box for over a day.

I put AT MOST 2 days worth of snuff in my wooden snuff boxes. A 1 day supply is preferable, but I have CRS Syndrome and I am liable to walk out of the house without refilling my snuff box(es).

BTW… CRS is “Can’t Remember Shit.”

The Wilsons box is to large, the Pat Collins boxes are excellent if you can get hold of one. Pat (onefortheroad) doesn’t seem to be active on here these days. I say fill a box 3/4 full and keep topping it up with the same snuff. Snuff always keeps better like this, just like snuff in bulk containers.

One thing that comes to mind is a forum member I met with for lunch one day. He had a few wooden boxes and had packed a small Patrick Collins with a very moist snuff. Sadly, he left it sitting for some time and it caused the lid to warp pretty bad. I like to use caution and not over-hydrate the wooden containers, tho I’ve never had one warp on me personally. I own two of the Wilson’s wooden Heartwood boxes and five of the Triple Techs. IMO the Triple Tech is the best. The Heartwood’s hold more but they were not specifically designed as snuff boxes. I like to use them for desktop decanting rather than as dispensers. I have also experienced that wood tends to dry the snuff much faster so I wouldn’t carry more than a days worth myself unless you have a dry scotch or something similar. One more thing to mention. If you slide the wooden lid all the way open so that it’s just barely attached to the container, be very careful. In that position the wooden groove has very little stress support if you drop or bump the lid hard enough. This could cause the edge of the lid groove to snap and can damage the container. So use care if messing with these while the lid is hanging open all the way.

@spyro that’s why I chose a Teak Tripletech my second time around- alot of boats were made out of teak because it handles water well without warping.

I’ve got to agree with transistor - teak boxes are excellent, including the Wilson’s one. I also have a smaller teak Heartwood box and one of the German boxes also in teak. They are all good. I did once manage to put a Patrick Collins box through the wash (it was in a trouser pocket). As soon as it came out I clamped the lid firmly in the jaws of my workmate, between two bits of scrap flat timber until it dried. That straightened it out and and it’s been fine ever since. The body of the box dried out fine without clamping. I guess there is a hint of a cure for warped lids in there somewhere.

I have three Pat Collins boxes. Of the three, the padauk is the most resistant to warping. It seems to be a dense wood like teak.

Thanks for the useful information, I’ll be sure to keep only a days supply in the box, getting those last few pinches out is a little fun, I ended up tapping the box on my hand and sniffed from there

@sly3904 I just get up in the morning, grab a jar of whatever snuff I’m using for the day, and decant a day’s worth into my box/boxes/smashboxes or whatever and go from there. Sometimes it will last me two days, but In my wooden boxes they’ll go dry after about 24 hours. I agree though- I love using my @DaveLarsen spoon to get my last two sniffs!

Ive got six large containers of bulk snuff, two of which hold the blends I use every day. I just do what transisitor does and fill up my every day silver snuff box with one of them, probably take me another year to empty the containers.

I have to agree with Xander about the padauk Collins boxes. My Tripletech survived a drenching downpour the other day with nary a sign of warping. BTW, I just received one of the plastic Bernard’s boxes, the one that has both a lid and the tap-out slide. Not as pretty as the Tripletech or the Heartwood, but a very sturdy box for a snuffer on a budget, IMO. Generously sized, too.

Just got back from a jaunt with my wife and youngest into Hereford to have a bit of a dekko and popped into the small tobacconists in the Butter Market. They had a small selection of snuff, some Poschl, the usual Hedges and a few bits and pieces of Wilsons. Two things suprised and delighted me. Firstly, I bought one of the sliding lid WoS Sharrow heartwood boxes for £12, a fantastic price. Also, I found that they stock bulk (1/2lb) tubs of WoS Best SP, something I have never seen in a small b&m shop. Anyway, just thought I’d let you know, not sure if anyones in striking distance of Hereford though!

I splurged on a silver box… It looks to be in unused condition.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/160680181111?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&\\_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I can’t help but think of James Brown when I look at those initials on that lid. An ostentatious little box befitting of the Godfather himself.

I thought I would add that I bought one of the plastic onesw at Mr. Snuff. you can pinch or pour. I love it for keeping snuff handy if I am going out for a bit. I love pewter though. I think it loves snuff. The round comoy box you spoke of is really nice. I had one years back that I had a jeweler put a rose croix design on the front. I lost the box. There is something calming about the feel of a good snuff box in ones hands.

Before I forget, you can buy the very small plastic gizmos you run under the tap. I keep one in a box and it seems to keep the snuff moist. You can use a piece of flower foam. (its green) stick it in a straw then cut off as much as you need and put it under the tap. wipe it off and put it in the box.

Oh, nice idea, a bit of ‘oasis’ in a straw. I think I will give this a try.

Yes ‘oasis’.  My mom is a retired florist, so I have access to tons of the stuff. Yet, I would recommned a piece of carrot, celery or apple as a much preferable alternative. I just removed a piece of celery from my general snuff box.  I cosider it to be the least intrusive of all the above.  However, my piece was too large and added more moisture than I planned, so be careful!

I use a full, peeled apple to re-hydrate larger amounts. If you have half a pound or so, peel an apple, cut it in two and put in an airtight container with a teaspoon of water. Good for plainer snuffs that have got dry and you get a faint apple flavour to it. Anything with that amount of moisture would work of course.

Could someone advise me on this box?  The hinges are in the wrong place im guessing.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/120811502803?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&\\_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

@Sly3940 I have one of these myself, they are built for snuff and work well.

But note the wording - “TINY HAIRLINE SPLIT IN THE FRONT RIGHT HAND CORNER”. It’s past its best and will need a repair (pinning and gluing) sooner rather than later. I’d avoid that one.

Yes I did notice that. I just was making sure I was looking at a snuffbox. Now I can look for something similar, hopefully with no damage. Thanks!

Oh yes, it’s definitely a snuff box, almost certainly French made. Find one in good condition and with care it will last a life time.

A similar box that I’ve had a for a long time suffered the same problem a few years ago, a split in the same front right corner. If you look carefully in the picture below you can see the ends of the two brass pins I used to repair it. Basically it’s a case of drilling two holes at different angles through the cracked area and inserting brass pins coated in epoxy adhesive into the holes then clamping the box overnight until the glue has set hard. I’ve never had any subsequent trouble with that box.

At that price it would certainly be worth getting! With the four leaf shamrock on it, surely it will bring luck to your snuff.

Any box like that in good condition is worth its weight. Wil see you through to the day you are in your own large snuffbox.

Now that is a great idea! I will have to reconsider cremation for to be a skeleton in a giant La San Claudienne.

@Snuffster : “Will see you through to the day you are in your own large snuffbox.” I like how you said that , sounds like a good box!

Anyone ever order one of those snuffboxes from Mr.Snuff ?  Like the one I got.  I am just curious, because I really know nothing of snuffboxes, and I wonder how good it is, and/or how long it will last?  I am not doubting Daves product, just curious!  :-P

@MikeMoose I would assume there is a heart on the back of the box which is the makers mark. have at least a half a dozen Heartwood creations boxes of various sizes including the teak Wilsons of Sharrow box. Very nice boxes they are. It’s good your box is smaller so that you will use the snuff up before it dries out.

@Juxtaposer : Ah yes the Heartwood symbol.  It’s a beautifully crafted little box I gotta say.  I agree, I think it’s good that it is smaller too, since I am not that much of a heavy sniffer

My two favorite snuff boxes
First a silver one with a small opening for dispensing its a tab under 2 inches long (great for drier fine snuff)
Second one of those clever wooden three in one boxes (great for moist snuff)
the problem i find with snuff boxes is too many collector who dont use them but keep prices way beyond what a user would be willing to pay.

i have that triple tech … love it … love the look … holds my whiskey & honey. 

Love the Triple Tech boxes and the small Heartwood teak box. Won a very nice antique French silver box on that auction site. Once delivered, I will post some pics.

@snuffbrant I use my oak Triple Tech for Whiskey & Honey too, you know what they say about great minds…

@n9inchnails … yeah … that our brains are addled by TAD!!  oh … and that shiny objects mesmerize us!  ha!  :) whiskey honey is good for the brain!

Oh yes the triple tech box is the best thing ever for snuff takers i never spoon but you can its just that you can tap but if its windy or wet you can also pinch i think you can only get them from the USA but a good buy and well made very tight to open new. When mine arrived i thought it was a puzzle box and it took a little while to see how to get into it. Recommended and the tap hole will let you tap even the moistest of snuff

I can’t say enough about the Patrick Collins snuff boxes, but the most important point is that they’re airtight and designed for snuff.  I find that the dryer snuffs are better for the oak boxes, and the walnut, teak, maple, or zebra wood are better suited for moister snuffs.  In my case, I once put some McCrystals O&G in one of my PC oaks and the lid wouldn’t open without the influence of some incredible force.  Needless to say, I never put moist snuff into the oak boxes again.  Since then, I’ve put dryer snuffs into the oaks and haven’t had problems since.  

Here’s a story that’ll make you wince.  I once accidentally left one of my single compartment boxes in my pants and threw it into the wash!  I almost had a heart attack when this happened, LOL!  It warped the lid like you wouldn’t believe, but I managed to get the lid off and let it dry naturally indoors.  It took about a week for it to re-accept the lid, but it took about three weeks for it to work like it used to.  I just put the lid back on flush with the box for week two, and let it mold itself back to the container part.  Lesson learned, don’t get lazy with checking pockets before doing laundry.

*Due to the wide angle lens, some of the boxes look longer than they actually are.* 

love the collection!

Am really enjoying my three tripletechs–oak, walnut, and zebra wood. In my case the zebra and walnut lids are very tight and moist snuff only augments this, so I put moist snuffs in the oak box which has a slightly looser lid. Regardless of that, these boxes are extremely well made and a pleasure to carry on a daily basis.

@greengrass I am looking for one right now and think that I found a nice one. Perhaps a bit small but I don’t take that much during the work day anyway. What do you gentlemen think of it:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/110794534557?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&\\_trksid=p3984.m1426.l2649

@furious Looks like a good silver snuff box to me. Given its good condition, I would expect it to go in the £60-£90 range or so. That is worth it in my opinion. Pictures of the inside would have been nice, but I expect it will be gilded and in good condition too. The size is fairly standard for a British silver snuff box I think. I think you can probably get about 5 grammes in there.

 I won’t be bidding for this one - I have just won my third silver box yesterday so I am all boxed up. Good luck!

Another nice one I think:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Superb-Vintage-Solid-Silver-Curved-Snuff-Box-MINT-1969-/230717974880?pt=UK\\_Antiques\\_Silverware\\_RL&hash=item35b7dce960

Thanks for your thoughts on the box. I saw the 1969 box too and am keeping an eye on it. Hopefully, one of the two will be mine soon!

Well, I am happy to report that I won the smaller box as a result of a well-executed snipe with 2 seconds left in the auction. Now, let’s see what happens with the other box.

The curved snuff box is a duplicate of one I saw on a silver snuffbox site for several hundred pounds. It would be a great coup to get it anywhere near the starting bid.

@furious - Congratulations

I like both of those. Good luck with the 2nd one.

Won the second one too. Must be my lucky day.

@Furious   Streamlined, simple, and elegant, they’re gorgeous!  You lucky devil.

Thanks, Gosen. I consider myself very lucky especially to pick up the curved one for what I did. I am all set in boxes for now.

I wonder if that curved one rocks forward and back when you take a pinch.  Have you any idea of the arch’s purpose?   :-/

I would assume it is for comfortable carrying in one’s front pants pocket—much akin to the subtle curve in some hip flasks.

Silver snuff boxes are best when bought in person!.your local pawn shop and silver smith shops are the first place to look ,then estate sales or auctions before the antique hunters show.Antique shops are OK  if you have more money then god.You can have a dozen high quality boxes made for the $3000.00 you spend on a antique.Old beat up sterling are great if your handy, with brazing and a dremel tool

Horn snuff boxes are difficult to repair but not impossible. Paper mache boxes are easier to repair with some glue and some lacquer. Any container can be a snuff box as long as it opens smoothly and keeps the snuff fresh.I prefer lids that open rather then slides. snuff sticks to lids and a sliding lid will wear out and lose my snuff and get stale quickly.      

shaman I like your new avatar.

I also got one of the long Ari.D.Norman boxes from the Snuffstore U.K. and (with my limited credentials), can vouch for it’s quality and “niceness”. However due to it’s size and cost it’s not an everyday carry eligible piece. I’d like to find a nice, smaller (maybe about 3 to 5 gram capacity), heavier, silver, or even possibly stainless steel (do they exist?), box. The quest has me tempted to try to find a silver-working class locally, the guy that runs/ran the jewelry- making supply shop and jeweler’s workshop that I’ve visited is a pretty big tobacco-head, who may just be interested in creating such items-even if they would be very simple. Also there’s a friend of mine who’s a proffessional woodworker, we might try to turn out a few little boxes. Anybody craftspeople out there who have, or may attempt making snuffboxes or snuff bottles? Maybe there are glassworkers out there that could make some cool little bottles? Maybe nothing will come of this, but it’s food for thought.

Try the Walsh Brothers site - under ‘reproduction silver’ there is a small, engraved silver box. It used to be shown as a snuff box but I think its now under pillboxes. Very good workmanship and an excellent snuffbox. Obviously, be very careful with standard pillboxes as most are not suitable for snuff. There are some small, cheap metal snuffboxes on Mr Snuff.

Well I have recently taken delivery of both silver boxes and am happy to report that both are in excellent condition with good tight hinges and seals. The workmanship is first-rate on both, and I will have to research the hallmarks to learn more about the smiths. Both boxes are uk made. The curved box holds a good bit more so I will likely use it more. Advice to others searching for boxes: be patient to find the diamonds in the rough.

Went to a ‘Table Top’ Sale today, picked up a couple of snuff boxes off a bric-a-brac stall, owner didn’t know what they were. One is a papier mache box, about 3 1/3’’ by 1 1/2’’ with mother of pearl inlay, in worn but undamaged and very usable condition which I got for £6. The other is one of those circular metal ones with a spring lid, unused, £2. Not bad I think. The papier mache one in particular is beautiful, not sure of the age but im thinking late C19.

“The other is one of those circular metal ones with a spring lid, unused,” Someone proudly posted a picture of his circular metal snuffbox with a spring lid and was miffed when it was proved to be an ashtray. The papier mache box sounds quite good value. It’s a pity those lovely boxes are no longer made for snuff.

Should anyone desire it, it seems our local auction house has a Nazi snuffbox for sale, lot 196: 

http://www.davidduggleby.com/Auction/210112/page10.htm

http://www.davidduggleby.com/Auction/210112/pics/A196.jpg

@Koba22 - the papier mache boxes were made until about the early 60’s, give or take. Plain ones are impossible to date and you can only go off the wear and tear. It should make a very good snuff box - papier mache snuffs were regarded as the snuff takers box. Nice find. 

One that I thought would be perfect back when, and perhaps still, is on the Sheffield Exchange website. There are two nearly identical- other than engraving/texture whatever. As I recall, they’re somewhere between halfway down the page and the bottom of the page, they’re kind of an oblong shape with the hinge set a little ways in from the edge. Can anybody find a source for these? Maybe I can find contact info The S.E.

I think they would be easier to find second hand. One of the companies that made them was Commoys, which I have no idea if they are still in buisness. There were a lot of small metal working companies around Sheffield that produced them.

Talljim it says german snuff box. Though the lighter in the same box is either awesome or way too tacky. I can’t tell.

Anybody see this one go? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/220924360892?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&\\_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I think I just drooled on my keyboard. Anyhoo, I am sure it will end up safely locked in a cabinet somewhere never to see a speck of snuff.

@bob the box has a swastika on it, so it was just a guess. ;) 

If I wasn’t concerned about the karma associated with such a box, I would be quite interested in bidding on it.

the box didn’t do anything.

Thank’s Snuffster! Guess I’ll google Comoy’s… I think they might still be in business, I got a nice pipe tobacco pouch made by them for a gift a few years back.

oops! the pouch was a Savoy, don’t know what I was thinking!

Just found this on amazon if anyone’s interested. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0054KQ028/ref=redir\\_mdp\\_mobile

hmm…isn’t that the same one Mr. Snuff offers?

Those are the pewter table boxes that Mr Snuff and others sell. The price is about right. If anyone is thinking of getting one; they don’t work well as pocket boxes and the seal is not great, so you have to gently bend the pewter to tighten them up. Good boxes but a touch heavy and pewter is a very soft metal. 20 years ago you could have bought at least 10 different types of pewter box, now I think there is just this and the ‘Tom Buck’ that you still see occasionally.

There are more new snuff boxes on sale now than at any other time I can remember, but a lot of them are slightly rough and ready. I would love to see some of the more basic and affordable metal snuffs come back to the market.

I got the round tap box style little snuff box from mr snuff.

i love it. It is very good if you like pinching from your hand or sniffing from your hand. I don’t care either the snuff holds suprisingly well in this sort of snuff box. Interestingly I wonder if other metals snuff boxes have the same effect. It transfers heat really well which if the box is left in the pants pocket it taps out warm which seems to enliven the scents of the snuffs I’ve tried in it. Just my opinion. Though it’s engraved with some snuff company name I’ve never heard of before.

Has anyone had any experience with those “magnetic pivot” boxes like the ones on Mr. Snuff? I’m a bit wary of them, but at the same time, I love the designs they have.

I have a “magnetic pivot” bowl that makes a good mortar. In no way will it retain the moisture of its contents.

Ah, well then good to know not to waste the money. Many thanks. Guess I might as well get a plain one and break out the dremel and wood burning tool.

I think silver is the best. It looks wonderful - and it does seem to keep snuff very well. @bob - I have one of those little boxes on route. Years ago you could get lots like this, a lot of them were made in Germany, and I buy any new tin snuffbox I see.

The box I recently purchased from that auction site has become my new favorite. A Deakin and Francis curved silver box from 1969. Totally unused and excellent workmanship. The hinge and seal is airtight and the box retains the snuff’s moisture much longer than any wooden box I own.

I recently purchased one if the wooden mcchrystal’s boxes from mr snuff. Very pleased with the quality. Great first box in my opinion

This is the cheapy on sale at Mr Snuff, just arrived. It is a nice, simple design; just twist the body to allign with the dosing hole and tap out the required amount of snuff. You could also use it as you would with a round snuff tin and take the top completely, as with a WoS tin. Its a bit difficult to rotate when its cold out of the package but a bit of warming up and twisiting and it is working perfectly. I think I paid about £4 which I think is good for a small, practical snuff that won’t break your bank balance to replace if you lose it. It really takes me back to my youth to be able to buy a tin snuff box and this is a charming little object if you like this sort of thing.

I am considering buying a wooden snuff box. Can anyone tell me, when used on a daily basis, how long I could expect one to last before the lid leaks? If I can’t get at least six months to a year, I will just wait and purchase a silver one. I use mostly dry, fine grind snuffs.

I bought one from mr snuff. Only been using it a few weeks and it is my first box. The lid fits very nicely and I’m very happy with it

Thanks Eraserhead78, I may have asked a question that is a little to specific. I found a Sharrow Snuff wood box sold by a company in PA and it looks very nice in both cherry and teak for only $15.75. I suppose I will just have to order one sometime and find out for myself how it holds up. 

The problem with wooden boxes is that the very best of them, the flip top French ones with clover and other designs on the lid in white metal, are no longer made. I would save up for one of the Ari.D.Norman snuff boxes or get one off ebay. PC boxes are nice but you really need a few to rotate, other wooden boxes do tend to slacken off at the lid with daily use and they never keep snuff well. Snuff left in a wooden box overnight will go stale, it won’t in a good silver box.

I have two of the flip top french boxes. They are great.

I hope to add a Ari D. Norman snuff box to my pocket soon.

It seems like someone could make a box similar to the PC boxes out of metal,. stainless or aluminum. 

I would think there would be a niche market for someone to make new paper mache snuffboxes.

 Does anyone have good things to say about the colored plastic boxes from MrSnuff? I have one coming and am really hoping to like it.

Have noticed the same thing, Snuffster. Leave some in a PC box overnight and it will be bone dry in the morning. This doesn’t happen in a silver box. Silver is much better at retaining humidity I suppose.

Yes, the wood sucks the humidity out of the snuff. 

I am thinking that maybe if I apply a thin coating of glycerin inside the box and inside the lid that would help retain the humidity better. Anyone tried that already?

These one-offs are coated and sealed – I’ll be receiving an ironwood & red palm nut one in a couple days: http://etsy.me/xuBho9

Snuffster, thank you for the suggestion. I had not looked in to the Ari.D.Norman collection, only the Regnas, which are beautiful and would sit well in my China cabinet rather than my pocket. 

How about this one?? Do you think it leaks?

I should hope it does more than just hold snuff for that price!

http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=5261815

There are actually a few VERY expensive snuff boxes on that site.

Yeah…if I’m going to pay that kind of money it had better sing me to sleep or something.

@bigmick - the plastic snuffboxes are superb, nicely moulded and keep the snuff well. In many ways the descendant of the papier mache box - they were cheap and cheerful and used by the cognoscenti. A Lord who knew snuff would snuff from a plain papier box not a gold one as like as not. These are the same; cheap, almost throw away but great at what they do - certainly your snuff box collection should have lots of silver and what have you but for anyone who can’t afford a silver box you couldn’t do better than one of these. I bought 2 more when the first arrived.

@Snuffster. Good to hear. Silver snuffboxes are pretty, but way out of my price range. Maybe if the magazine takes off and I get rich…
For now I’ll have to make do with the plastic/wood varieties. Glad to know it’s a good one.

Some of me boxes, mostly wood, mostly good.

@juxstaposer The blonde wood box with the lid open. I have one just like this in walnut. My favourite box by far. Do you have any idea of the provenance of this type? I am struggling to find another one and any info would narrow down my search.

Nice collection!

@khalid I got that and the two other unmarked wood boxes plus the two bakelite ones off a lot sale on E-Bay. The seller was from England. I’m sorry I can’t help more. I would guess the treen boxes are French made.

@juxtaposer Thanks, one is bound to turn up on e-bay again eventually.

@juxtaposer - nice collection you have there. You also have one of the ‘dodo designs’ tins that came out in the UK in 80’s, nice little oddity to have. They never had snuff in them and they made two similar tins. Filek has them listed as snuffs on his site but they were only ever empty tins. I donb’t think he believed me when I told him. You need to get some silver in there.

@Snuffster Yes, I am missing a silver box or two. The next box I get will certainly be silver. That tiny box in the front that is open with D-White in it is silver although not a “real” snuff box.

Yes, I’ve had my problems with snuff boxes.  Without mentioning any names, I bought one of the silver snuffboxes from an English outfit that leaks like a sieve.  So, the only use it has is to adorn my living room as it empties out in my pocket.  There is a picture of the snuffbox I bought prominently displayed on the first page of this thread.

I also own a small silver snuffbox with the “Celtic” pattern.  It works very well but is much too small.

I bought a wooden snuffbox with a magnet lid.  The groove for the lid was so poorly cut that the lid falls out, and with it all my snuff.

The best snuffbox I’ve found–at least the most practical–are the plastic cans all American dip excepting Copenhagen now come in.  The best snuff cans are from the brand “Red Seal”.  They are best because the lid is plastic too, meaning it won’t scratch up other things in my pockets.  I can’t recommend them too highly, as they never spill, and I don’t clink and rattle when I walk with it in my pocket.  It’s not nearly as pretty as a silver snuffbox, but there is plenty to be said for practicality.

Woo! Money that can’t be taken away from me! Gotta 30 dollar amazon.com gift card and I do believe I will be getting the wooden Mr. Snuff snuff box.

How’s this for an unexpected little piece of joy: I was busy milling tobacco when a parcel was delivered. There was a note from Pat Collins saying ‘these were meant to be sent out a few years ago, sorry for the delay’ and two snuffboxes fell out on my workbench, one standard and one tripletec. I had forgotten I ordered them, he forgot to send them. It must easily be three or four years ago. Beat that for long delivery time; my previous record was three months :D/

@snuffster… were those the ones you ordered to give to me as a Christmas gift???  I do recall nothing under the tree from you the last 4 years.
[-X

Ah, yes of course. I will send them immediately :-q

Interesting to read his - I have just picked-up one of the Wilsons’ wooden boxes (rosewood possibly - or a very “warm” mahogany).

This thread begs a further question: do wooden boxes improve with use?  (I am guessing that snuff may keep better in such a box once the box has been “run in” and taken-on some of the flavour of the snuff…)

Not really. I’ve used them on and off for over 30 years and I’ve never noticed any kind of breaking in and I’ve used lots of different types of boxes and snuffs. Maybe if you used nothing but schmalzer for a long period there might be some element of that, but I doubt it.

It is possible to get some cross contamination of flavours, such as menthol, but that is only a slight layer of surface contamination which would be easily removed by cleaning or simply letting the next snuff over power it. The box I am using at this moment has had numerous snuffs in over the years and its the same as ever.

It would depend a bit on how the inside of your box was treated. If the interior is unsealed, then you will get some contamination from the snuff, and this would probably be more obvious with a schmalzer. I would expect the inside of a box that is not sealed to stain pretty quickly from schmalzer use. However, if the interior is waxed, polished or varnished - and most of them are - then it will be as Snuffster says.

Be careful when considering an old snuff box - a lot of pill boxes are passed off as snuffs at the online auctions. Unless you can get a clear view of the hinges don’t go there. Hinges on a snuff box should ideally run along the length of the lid, ones in the centre tend to be no good and are usually pill holders. Watch out for boxes that commemorate something like a ship or event - these are often soap dishes and the like given away at the time of the event and there are lots around. Commemorative boxes stopped being made in any number in the late 19th century when snuff use started to decline. Checking the dimensions of an apparent snuff box is a good indicator of whether it’s genuine, ie too small or too large and you are looking at something made for another purpose. Old branded tins, even if very old, are not worth more than a few £$. If possible get a second opinion because there are exceptions to any rule in a subject as wide as snuff box collecting. If you can get a picture and upload it there are plenty of people on this site that could give expert opinion.

Have a look at this greate painting of snuff and boxes http://dickonedwards.co.uk/diary/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/ella-guru-debbie-smith-tins-of-snuff.jpg I do not know who it is by or who it is in the painting but it is great.

Ok I am a dope. Did some digging and found that it is @toffeenose and has been posted before. I would have deleted my post but the edit function seems to have disappeared from the mobile site. It is a cool painting though.

Didn’t see this picture last time. This is a picture of Debbie who works in Intoxica records in Portabello and plays in the Monks tribute band, ‘The Nuns’ amongst many others. Does this mean that Snuff is getting hip, at least in Garage rock circles?

yeah that is the same one I think. She’s our resident working musician.

As the original poster commented… Lots of mis identifications when shopping for a snuff box.

I do collect snuff bottles, and use one for storing my snuff for now, but am starting to also look to start collecting antique snuff boxes. Maybe find a nice antique one to use for my snuff instead of a bottle. I see a lot of boxes listed as pill boxes for sale online that sure look like they are snuff boxes/containers…

One thing for sure, if someone does know what they have and list it correctly for sale as an antique snuff box, not a very good chance of getting a bargain on it.  They go for top dollar as far as I have seen so far.

Seems like I see a few good potential antique boxes when I search using different key words combined with box…

Any hoo… Just rambling… Have not checked in here in quite some time.  Ready to order up some new snuff to try, as I am out !

Have not read completely through this thread yet, but did see some real nice boxes shared !

I am off again to search for a bargain on an antique box… Wish me luck and happy hunting to the rest of you here as well …

Be careful when considering an old snuff box - a lot of pill boxes are passed off as snuffs at the online auctions. Unless you can get a clear view of the hinges don’t go there. Hinges on a snuff box should ideally run along the length of the lid, ones in the centre tend to be no good and are usually pill holders. Watch out for boxes that commemorate something like a ship or event - these are often soap dishes and the like given away at the time of the event and there are lots around. Commemorative boxes stopped being made in any number in the late 19th century when snuff use started to decline. Checking the dimensions of an apparent snuff box is a good indicator of whether it’s genuine, ie too small or too large and you are looking at something made for another purpose. Old branded tins, even if very old, are not worth more than a few £$. If possible get a second opinion because there are exceptions to any rule in a subject as wide as snuff box collecting. If you can get a picture and upload it there are plenty of people on this site that could give expert opinion.

I just saw this post… ! 

Thank you for sharing this… This is exactly the kind of information I was looking for !

.

I see boxes with these designed ( vented ? ) piece inside… 

What is the purpose of this extra piece that I don’t always see in snuff boxes ?

http://www.bexfield.co.uk/vinadx.htm

Ah… So it really is not a snuff box after all !

Thank Juxtaposer 

I’ve never purchased or used a snuff box. I generally use a bullet or the original tin, even when I go out. -Kidnapper

Which snuff bullet do you recommend?

They all work about the same, which is adequate at best. If you want to spend money get a ‘Posh’ which are heavy and well made. The thing with bullets is that they are not purpose made for snuff, they are head shop coke bullets. That means they only deliver small doses - you can multi-dose with them but after trying every one on the market I have come to the conclusion that they are a good idea that doesn’t work that well. The main problem is that with anything other than a fine, dry snuff you are forever having to unclog them. On balance, I have quite a heavy snuff habit and take numerous large pinches throughout the day so they don’t suit me personally, but they do have a lot of fans. Apart from build quality, there is no real difference in use between a cheap plastic one and an expensive metal one.

@spyder Get a snuffbox, forget bullets. Stefan

That is the better option.

the mister snuff boxes are great. Love the tap out option and the flip top lid option. Makes it work for almost any snuff. And I still say get a bullet but only because they work in heavy rain.

Now that, Micheltn, is a not a ladies’ compact case, ashtray, soap dish or small wardrobe but a real snuffbox. It’s an example of a decent sized French tabatière with zinc and nickel maillechort. The dark colour suggests good quality. All of them (as far I am aware) were made in the Jura region of France in several workshops including St. Claude. Every tobacconist in Paris had a variety these boxes for sale and it was fun to examine them in great detail before making a decision. They last a lifetime if handled with care. Never attempt to open using thumb and forefinger. Hold in the palm with the hinge alongside the thumb and slide the fingers under the lip. Flex the fingers and the box will open. As well as providing support the metal ends enable the box to be placed upright on a level surface. Snuff compacts inside the box keeping it fresher. I’m examining mine (which is very similar). The most notable difference is that the very hard ebony-like wood still has a shiny gloss that reflects the light. Yours looks like it could do with a damn good clean using a very soft cloth. The metal ends could be buffed up with a small amount of metal polish. Open up the box and check that the hinge has not become fouled up.

Good find @linguist. That seems to be exactly what PhilipS was talking about. That picture looks like it came from the maker.

Bonbonnieres and the like are often sold as snuff boxes. They may have seen double-duty as snuff boxes, but they will powder the inside of your pockets.

I bought this snuffbox last week today i received it. Wonderfull ideal size box with smooth touch. It closes very tight and the only way to open is as described above picture. But there is leakage on both corners of the hinged side. How can i prevent the leakage? Electric tape or epoxy or what else do you suggest?

That’s a common leak on those due to poor machining in manufacturing and most of the ones I’ve owned did the same. Best to accept it as part of it’s charms if it only leaks a few grains. If it’s really a problem you could try building up some beeswax around the closure or giving it a gentle steam to swell the wood tight - they are the usual things people try. Epoxy would be very hard to work with, probably superglue would be better if it just needs a very small leak closing. It’s very easy to ruin a snuff box though and even some of the best have small leaks so I would tend towards putting up with it.

i tried electric tape inside the box along the hinge. At the moment it looks ok. But i don’t know how long the tape lasts. I can replace the tape easily but long term solution would be best. Thanks for advice @abraxas

My fliptop wooden snuffbox had leaks in the corners so I filled the leaks with beeswax and now its completely leak proof.