Historical snuffs

1

One of the things I like about snuff is the sense of history to it. Snuff’s got a long and venerable heritage - and I’m a big fan of 18th-century literature and art (Tristram Shandy, Hogarth, Gillray, Goldsmith …), where snuff often features heavily.

So I was wondering - what blends and flavours of snuff were most popular in the 18th century? And, more importantly - are there any that are still available today? I’d love to find a blend I know existed in, say, 1750 or 1815.

One candidate might be the snuff that’s offered as a perk to members of the House of Commons in the UK. But I have no idea what that is, or where they get it.

2

You should check out Sir Walter Scott’s line which is first rate snuff.

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3

I was told by a member on here the snuff they use in the House of Lords was possibly GH Rose.

I believe Wilsons of Sharrow is the oldest manufacturer still going today, though some of their flavors and manufacturing techniques may have changed. If you’re looking for Old Style Snuffs possibly try Sir Walter Scott’s blends as mentioned prior. I have heard Kendal Brown dates back pretty far, though i’m not sure which Kendal Brown from which manufacturer was one of the originals (possibly SG?).

I hope someone with more knowledge can chime in, I’m just going by word of mouth and a few things I’ve read around the place.

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4

I’d Ben curious to know the oldest available myself?

5

fribourg and treyer started producing snuff in 1720. That line is now produced by Wilson of Sharrow, which was started in 1736. Sam gawith started in 1792, and Gawith and hoggarth was started after that. I remember seeing something about the 1830’s.

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6

To lazy to check but how about American beginning production dates? Somebody here knows off the top of their head I’m sure.

7

WoS reckon they have been making their Best SP for 250 years .

Classic SPs in general will probably fit your criteria …for Britain later in the 18th century anyway :) 

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