Simple question, what is a snuff mallet? I was reading ‘wooden bygones…’ and there are a few photos of small wooden mallets. What were these used for? I can only make guesses; breaking up lumps? Pulverizing dried snuff in the days of rasps and carrottes? Hammering the snuff into your sinuses?

Rapping the knuckles of those who would try to get into my snuffbox! Seriuously, It might have something to do with those German contraptions that catapult snuff into the nose. I’ve seen some that operate by a mallet strike.

Actually you are probably close with your second guess. @snuffgrinder would know.

Those snuff catapult devices terrify me…

@doctorbeat : I agree…  The last video I saw it looked like it beaned the kid right in the nose…

@Vathek : LOL

Spot on. The regimental style ‘rams head’ mulls also had snuff rakes, shovels and, strangest of all, a rabbit or chinchilla’s foot as a wiper. These were fixed on strong silver chains or sat in small holders.

I use a rabbits foot on occasion. A mallet now seems like it would be quite useful. A snuff rake would be an absolute necessity for a Zen snuff garden. Shovels…who does not have a shovel?