Don't let that deter you, there are many nice snuff boxes on ebay. I have bought some real nice ones there. And yes it is always best to find out as much as you can about the item in consideration because there are some people that try to pass off crap as a work of art.

I never buy anything from Ebay, but I'm the paranoid sort about trusting a total stranger on nothing but his word with no legal recourse, really...but a hassle. I know the deals and it's tempting, though. I remember reading in "A pinch of Snuff" the guys opinion that a real snuff conoiseur should use a paper mache snuff box.

I use ebay quite a bit.
Never has any problems.
Got one of my favorite rosewood antique snuff boxes for a steal.
I put my " fancy snuf" in that one.
The next box that catches your eye, ask the seller how tight the seal is, and to send you extra pic's.

It is extremely important as Trout says to find out as much as possible before bidding. After a while, you learn to discern, because much of what is offered at eBay is of the same standard. I have lots of papier mache boxes that are perfectly useable and boxes from all other materials too. Some I keep for my collection, because they are extremely valuable and an investment, while some I use for my daily snuff. Actually today I'm using a mid-19th century papier mache box, which is perfectly tight and cost almost nothing. But then again - I pinch so often, that VERY rarely the snuff has the time to dry out, whatever box I'm using :o) Cheers, Nicholas.

And if it is a valuable, antique snuff box, and you decide to sell it - simply remove the bees wax, and the box is again "as found" :o)

Thanks for the tip Viking! I have several antique pill boxes I bought last weekend and they all have small leaks, so I was pretty disappointed...I'll try your tip. Funny thing is one of them has leftover wax in it already- so maybe someone tried that on it!

I really want a horn snuff box, too. And I'd also like one of those snuff bottles. I just don't want to spend the money- but I sure would be proud to own a nice "horn" box.

I really wish there were people locally that enjoyed snuff. It would be fun to sample together. Too bad we're all so far apart. I wonder how many of us actually meet outside of this forum.

Bryan! Yes definitely, as this is an age old method of tightening smaller leaks in almost any type of box. Pill-boxes are often very beautiful, but not often very tight! I just used this method on a silver plated 1930s snuff box from the "Bremen" ocean liner. Before the snuff was literally pouring out of the box, but now it is completely snuff tight! Bees-wax will even stick to porcelain and horn as well. I have a small Scottish horn box, which I like very much (and it doesn't break if you drop it!) You like snuff bottles? I have a very old Chinese snuff bottle with stopper and horn spoon that I could sell to you. If you are interested, drop me a mail at metania@mac.com and I can send you some photos. Cheers, Viking

Ha lol, no thats just the only explanation I could see for someone to stop visiting the forum.

Well, when it comes to snuff boxes...I'm cheap. I don't consider myself a collector-because I use them all and wouldn't want to use one that I spent much money on. About $20 US dollars is probably the most I'd spend on one...maybe a little more for a nice one.

Anyone use one of those German boxes with the dowel pin and the angle'd cut? They're really neat and work very well. I only use mine with F&T HDT. I love this snuff with this special box. The snuff seems to acquire an even sweeter taste the longer it sits in the box even though that is all the box has ever held. Very nice. I also like the fact that they hold a large amount of snuff for it's size. Enough HDT to last several days.

I always prefer to pinch my snuff- but when you're fishing it's much easier to take from the back of the hand...the left hand holding the pole that is.

Good advice about bees wax.

E bay can be great but it's pretty much luck of the draw. I have a perfect silver snuff box, antique and would be sold for a lot on other forums, I got it for £16 though. Papier mache is a great medium for snuff boxes but you won't find anything new in that line as they have not been made for at least 50 years. Don't forget the basic snuff literature is very old and refers to a by- gone age.

The new boxes are generally superior for the simple fact that they are not worn out after years of use, if you get an old snuff box that's still workable, it simply has not been used much and probably just hung around in somebodys family for years. If you get an old snuff box that has been used for many years, it will probably be a bit wounded.

The snuff boxes that are made now are excellent and if you want something that is trouble free I recommend a Sharrow box or one from Patrick Collins.

I have a horn snuff box that I don't use if anyone wants to whisper me with a trade I will be happy to swap with another snuff box. It's in perfect order and was bought from Frederick Tranters by myself about 20 years ago. It's in pristine condition and has only been used once or twice. If you look under the post "snuffster's little collection" you will see it.