What is the difference between a snuff box and a tobacco jar?

A snuff box is a small, portable pocket container designed to hold powdered tobacco for quick access during the day. These items rely on secure, tight-fitting hinges to prevent the powder from spilling in a pocket. Conversely, a tobacco jar is a larger container intended to sit on a desk, table, or shop counter to store loose leaf tobacco or cigars. They often feature heavy lids and sometimes inner seals to maintain leaf moisture.

How were horn snuff mulls constructed?

Horn snuff mulls utilise the natural horn of an animal, typically a ram, which is heated and shaped into curved receptacles. Craftsmen then mount these horn bodies with silver collars, hinges, and lids. Many of these Scottish mulls include small silver accessories such as scrapers or spoons suspended from chains attached directly to the horn body.

What materials are common in these containers?

The listings show a wide divergence of materials ranging from precious metals like sterling silver and brass to organic substances such as horn, tortoiseshell, coquilla nut, and papier-mâché. Wood is equally prominent, featuring boxwood, walnut, linden wood, and various fruitwoods. Metal containers often display hallmarks or engraved inscriptions, while wooden and horn versions highlight carving skill and natural grain patterns.

How do I care for an antique wooden tobacco container?

Wooden containers, including carved treen and figural humidors, require stable environmental conditions away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity changes. Keeping them out of heated drafts prevents the wood and carved details from splitting. Occasional light dusting with a dry cloth maintains the surface finish without stripping the natural oils and patina accumulated over the centuries.

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Antique Tobacco Container

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An antique tobacco container brings pocket-sized craftsmanship or table-bound storage into daily use, covering everything from silver pocket boxes to carved wooden jars.

18th century

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Georgian Leather Snuff Box

From Digby Antiques (Wiltshire)

£175

FOR SALE

boxes

A Crystal Glass Art Deco Cigarette Box, Hoffman C.1930

1920 - 1940

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A Crystal Glass Art Deco Cigarette Box, Hoffman C.1930

From Mark J West

£168

FOR SALE

glass

1900 - 1920

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Large German Porcelain Tobacco Jar

From Jane Short Antiques

£165

FOR SALE

ceramics

19th century

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Antique Snuff Box - Specimen Woods

From Opus Antiques

£165

FOR SALE

boxes

18th century

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Rare 18th Century Pony Skin Snuff Box

From Digby Antiques (Wiltshire)

£295

FOR SALE

boxes

19th century

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Good Scottish Horn & Silver Snuff Mull

From Carse Antiques

£245

FOR SALE

silver

18th century

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18th Century German Tobacco Box.

From Jane Short Antiques

£235

FOR SALE

boxes

19th century

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A Superb and Early 19th Century Scottish Silver Mounted Horn Snuff Mull

From Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques

£235

FOR SALE

boxes

1809 Lovely George 111 Double Lidded Snuff Box by William Eaton 100g

18th century

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1809 Lovely George 111 Double Lidded Snuff Box by William Eaton 100g

From Dudley Antique Silver

£340

FOR SALE

silver

Finely Carved 19th Century Black Forest Linden Wood Humidor or Tobacco Box in the Form of a Brown Bear

1900 - 1920

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Finely Carved 19th Century Black Forest Linden Wood Humidor or Tobacco Box in the Form of a Brown Bear

From LVS Decorative Arts

£950

FOR SALE

boxes

Listings span the eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth centuries, featuring materials from sterling silver and bronze to horn, tortoiseshell, and papier-mâché.

A Georgian Inlaid Circular Box - Probably for Snuff

18th century

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A Georgian Inlaid Circular Box - Probably for Snuff

From Opus Antiques

£295

FOR SALE

boxes

Smart Antique English Sterling Silver Cigar Case / Box

1900 - 1920

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Smart Antique English Sterling Silver Cigar Case / Box

From Puckerings

£850

FOR SALE

silver

19th century

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Fine Early 19th Century Yew-wood Barrel

From Walton House Antiques

£650

FOR SALE

boxes

Rare Chinese Mixed-metal Spectacle Case, Late Qing / Early Republic, C. 1900

1900 - 1920

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Rare Chinese Mixed-metal Spectacle Case, Late Qing / Early Republic, C. 1900

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£900

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Antique Georgian Silver Large Tobacco Box with Crest - James Phipps I (London) C.1770

18th century

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Antique Georgian Silver Large Tobacco Box with Crest - James Phipps I (London) C.1770

From Artisan Antiques

£850

FOR SALE

silver

An English Copper and Brass Bellows Novelty Snuff Box, Early 19 Century

19th century

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An English Copper and Brass Bellows Novelty Snuff Box, Early 19 Century

From Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques

£375

FOR SALE

boxes

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Antique Tobacco Container

Georgian Leather Snuff Box

A Crystal Glass Art Deco Cigarette Box, Hoffman C.1930

Large German Porcelain Tobacco Jar

Antique Snuff Box - Specimen Woods

Rare 18th Century Pony Skin Snuff Box

Good Scottish Horn & Silver Snuff Mull

18th Century German Tobacco Box.

A Superb and Early 19th Century Scottish Silver Mounted Horn Snuff Mull

1809 Lovely George 111 Double Lidded Snuff Box by William Eaton 100g

Finely Carved 19th Century Black Forest Linden Wood Humidor or Tobacco Box in the Form of a Brown Bear

A Georgian Inlaid Circular Box - Probably for Snuff

Smart Antique English Sterling Silver Cigar Case / Box

Fine Early 19th Century Yew-wood Barrel

Rare Chinese Mixed-metal Spectacle Case, Late Qing / Early Republic, C. 1900

Antique Georgian Silver Large Tobacco Box with Crest - James Phipps I (London) C.1770

An English Copper and Brass Bellows Novelty Snuff Box, Early 19 Century

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