A snuff box is a small lidded receptacle designed to hold dry powdered tobacco for inhalation. These pieces were carried in pockets by gentlemen and ladies during the Georgian and Victorian eras.

Dating relies upon stamped hallmarks, assay office symbols, and stylistic indicators such as shape and stone settings. Provincial marks and maker stamps provide precise clues to the year of manufacture.

What was a vinaigrette used for?

A vinaigrette held a sponge soaked in vinegar to mask foul odours in crowded public spaces. The internal pierced grille allowed the scent to escape while keeping the damp sponge secure.

Why use horn for mulls?

Horn was an abundant, durable, and easily worked natural material in rural Scotland. Craftsmen boiled and pressed the horn into curves suitable for carrying dry snuff.