Buying snuffboxes..

can cost you a lot of wasted cash because for every genuine antique or used snuff box for sale on line there is a pill box, soap dish, pocket-ashtray or cosmetics case, sold as a snuff box. The question of what makes a good snuff box is maybe more complicated than it seems to someone new to this hobby. A few brief points, of many; beware the pill box; they are often posted as pill/snuff boxes, that's because the vendor doesn't know or isn't being honest. A pill box is rarely up to snuff - although there are exceptions, making it even more difficult to spot. Watch out for the dimensions; easy to miss but very important; sometimes a seemingly great snuff is an old tobacco box - too big and leaky for our purposes. Looks can decieve, and often do so don't be dazzled by an artfully taken snapshot that shows just the lid, you must see the hinge and inside. The list goes on...

There are some real experts on this site (not me, I just know enough to not go wrong too often) I am sure they would all be happy to have a look at any link.

There have been a few people saying they are on the look out for a first snuff box, so I'll keep this as sticky for a few days and if it's used maybe it can stay. (my personal view is, if it's a first snuffbox you are looking for, that you can't go far wrong with one of the new ones from our supporter sites)

Serious collector's out there are very welcome to post away with general tips.

FischTix

Nice one man! With the recent rash of decent people getting screwed over and/or misinformed, this is a great idea!

Snuffster

Thanks, I need the experts to get on here and put some tips on.

ddavelarsen

I'm a member of the camp who bought a pill box as a snuff box. There were plenty of pictures to have made the distinction had I known what I was doing, but I don't. How is the hinge different on a snuff box vs a pill or other small box? The one I bought, snuff collects in the hinge and prevents the lid closing fully.

FischTix

Man I spent the better part of yesterday looking for sites with helpful antique snuff box buying tips...NOTHING...if you can get this going, it will be pretty exclusive. I hope it takes off...I'm interested to read some expert opinions!! @at ddavelarsen...the one thing i've noticed about hinged boxes...they seem to be on the top, outside of the box as opposed to the side.

ddavelarsen

Thanks Fischy, I was looking at snuff boxes on vendor sites this morning and came to the same conclusion. Now I know better! :) The silver pill box I got is really nice, small and plain. Don't know what to do with it, but it's too nice to not use for something. I'll figure it out I'm sure.

FischTix

not a prob dave...i know nothing, really, about them...i just happened to notice it the other day while comparing boxes that were questionable as opposed to ones from reputable sites that i KNEW where snuff boxes. i'd love to learn more about them though!

SnuffHead

Another thing to watch for is how well the box closes. See the rim under the lid. Pill boxes ofcause don't need to be as close fitting.

insufflator

@Snuffster - To echo your wise words on the pill/snuff boxes issue.
They are pill boxes made in the style of snuff boxes for purely aesthetic reasons, and the vendor is frequently quite ignorant of the difference.
Avoid!

Snuffster

I can tell you now that there is no definitive guide anywhere, the best guidance is from people who have built up some knowledge; the principles are very simple; would the box hold a fine powder and was it made for that reason.

The seal and the hinge are the main issues, basically a snuff box hinge must be placed so that it has no or minimal contact with the snuff, so the best are the ones that when the box is closed the inside of the box is an un-broken cube or rectangle. In simple terms, most good hinges run along the length of the lid. Pill box hinges are usually small ones in the middle of the lid; sometimes called a hinge that 'shows shoulders'.

The style is important too; remember snuff boxes have not been made in large amounts for many years, although there has always been a small trickle of them available. So, if you have something with a steam liner or commemoration of some sort depicted, - post the early 1900's - you are not usually looking at a snuffbox. There are masses of boxes like this on the net. Like anything, the best out there cost good money - bargains are usually strokes of luck or because the purchaser knows what they are looking for. If a box is on sale for £/$10, that should tell you something!

The best thing you can do is not to buy simply because it looks like it would work out and the lid is nice - and to get some advice, unless you want a pill box of course.

A final point; there are silver pill boxes being sold as snuffs at the moment by people who should know a lot better; just look at the dimensions and the hinge of any purported NEW silver snuffbox. I was very disappointed recently in a purchase and also surprised that this particular vendor was selling pill boxes - but ultimately it was MY fault for not checking the dimensions.

PhilipS

Good advice, Snuffster.

Probably the easiest solution is to post a picture of an intended purchase for scrutiny from other members. One tip is to avoid anything circular with a raised lid. (The ashtray bought by one member had a domed lid resembling the rotunda of Rome’s Pantheon.) Gold, silver and pewter are the main metals. Silver boxes with a gold wash are bona fide boxes although modern ones lack this refinement. Brass and tin are sometimes used, but should be treated as suspicious. Ebony, rosewood, burl or Madagascar are common materials for wooden boxes. Tortoiseshell, horn and papier mache are also frequent resources. Anything larger than a 25gram tin or smaller than a 10 gram tin is likewise suspicious. A common dimension for rectangular boxes is 85x45x20 mm.

Finally, not all genuine snuffboxes are good snuffboxes. Some new ones have a raised hinge, allowing air to enter and snuff to exit. When closed the hinge must be flush with the lid.

EricHill78

Thanks for the great post. I was looking at eBay just simply typing "snuff box" and all these great antique units came up. Glad I read this post before I bit. I think I'll eventually just go for the tripple tech box. I know that was made for the sole purpose of snuff.

Snuffster

PC boxes are great but don't let all this put you off looking for old snuff boxes; there are NO modern boxes that equal the best of the old snuffs (with the possible exception of Regnas boxes, otherwise you would have to go bespoke from a silversmith or similar craftsman for that) and getting a good example is a massive compliment to anyone's snuff habit, ya just have to go slow, show the box off before you buy and get some decent advice. I recently got a continental silver snuff; the tolerances, design and sheer practical capacity of the thing leaves any modern snuff box standing a long way away. The only problem I have with it is the tempation to hoard and not use it because its so superb and would cost a lot to replace (some problem!).

[Deleted User]

Nice discussion snuffster. And I need it ;)

Snuffster

Well, I guess your recent purchases gave me the idea, if it helps anyone not waste their money then its worth doing.

dazz34

re ebay a little tip
i just won ha ha i know a nice little wooden snuff box it looks like its a inlayed patrick collin's one in mahogany.
but heres the good bit it wos listed as [ new exotic wood box with hidden commpartment] in the personal security pages.
so use key words and some times you git lucky i did $10 thats with p&p to the uk for a brand new snuff box ,as not all salers know wot they are saleing ..

[Deleted User]

removed, double post.

PhilipS

Now that, Micheltn, is a not a ladies’ compact case, ashtray, soap dish or small wardrobe but a real snuffbox.

It’s an example of a decent sized French tabatière with zinc and nickel maillechort. The dark colour suggests good quality. All of them (as far I am aware) were made in the Jura region of France in several workshops including St. Claude. Every tobacconist in Paris had a variety these boxes for sale and it was fun to examine them in great detail before making a decision.

They last a lifetime if handled with care. Never attempt to open using thumb and forefinger. Hold in the palm with the hinge alongside the thumb and slide the fingers under the lip. Flex the fingers and the box will open.

As well as providing support the metal ends enable the box to be placed upright on a level surface. Snuff compacts inside the box keeping it fresher.

I’m examining mine (which is very similar). The most notable difference is that the very hard ebony-like wood still has a shiny gloss that reflects the light. Yours looks like it could do with a damn good clean using a very soft cloth. The metal ends could be buffed up with a small amount of metal polish. Open up the box and check that the hinge has not become fouled up.

[Deleted User]

Thanks @PhilipS! Especially for your tip:

As well as providing support the metal ends enable the box to be placed upright on a level surface. Snuff compacts inside the box keeping it fresher.

I never thought of that :) You would have any idea on when this is made, year wise ?

PhilipS

I’d say sometime between 1930 and 1980, but there is no way of determining precise age with these boxes. When the domestic market collapsed in the 1980s boxes exported to Britain sometimes carry ‘Made in France’ etched into the wood. Have you bought this box?

The following is a good site:

http://tabatieres-snuffboxes.chez-alice.fr/pageaccueil_gb.htm

It shows how the classic box is made together with a diagram on how to open it.

Some of the boxes are extremely vulgar - particularly the secouette (shaker) scatological boxes. If you have wearied of a lady friend, but are too cowardly to say so, you could always purchase such a box and use it in her presence. She would leave you in disgust faster than a politician renegades on promises. Disgusting - but potentially useful in solving the problem of unrequited love.

[Deleted User]

Philip, Nice link, thanks!

Mouse

Adding my thanks for the link, what an interesting web site.

Juxtaposer

Ah yes... unrequited love. I suspected there was some reason for the vulgarity.

Gimpy1261

My avatar is of one I found in a flea market for 5.00.

kidnapper

I've never purchased or used a snuff box. I generally use a bullet or the original tin, even when I go out.

-Kidnapper

Gimpy1261

@kidnapper
There isn't anything wrong with that. Actually that is the way I go most of the time also.
I can honestly say though using a antique brass snuff box or silver or wood adds to the enjoyment, because I can get a pinch in my puggie little fingers without difficulty, warm the snuff and repeat as needed.
Plus a snuff box gives people around me a excuse to ask questions, which I answer with much enthusiasm.

kidnapper

@Gimpy1261

Yes, but with all of the problems stated, even in this thread, it makes me hesitant to purchase or use a snuff box. Besides, I've been asked way more questions when actually taking the pinch than the pinching itself.

-Kidnapper

Edit: Typo

Walrus1985

@Phillips great link mate, very interesting, thanks.

Stefan

Rocktopus

I've been using the same steel screw-top pill holder I bought a couple years ago, thinking I'd buy a proper snuff box, and I never bothered. It travels well and I can tap out a good amount onto the back of my hand, which I prefer to pinching.

matsnuffs

Snuff store re-stocked their silver snuffboxes, for those interested.
They are quite pricey, but evidently worth the money. They are new and built for snuff!
I dropped the cash, and I'll report back when I get it.
Edit: the shipping is very reasonable, under 7 USD according to the conversion on Google, for what that's worth.

Gimpy1261

@matsnuffs
They are fine snuff boxes if you get the silver ones. The best I have been able to find for the money.

matsnuffs

Good!
I have been drooling over the plain, not engraved one for some time, then they were out of stock. I just happened to check today...and I almost didn't go for it because I just bought an antique wooden one with a hinged lid, not unlike Micheltn's, but with a clover inlaid on the top. Fantastic buy, but a touch on the leaky side.
Ordered some Mac's SP too, because it was on sale, it was my first order from Tim...wonder where he is as of late...

Gimpy1261

Tim is probably busy.
I love all their House Blends, Especcially Blenders Bundle and Golden Pinch.
Both I alternate in my box and they stay fresh and moist.

PhilipS

"Snuff store re-stocked their silver snuffboxes, for those interested.
They are quite pricey, but evidently worth the money. They are new and built for snuff!
I dropped the cash, and I'll report back when I get it."

I would caution against buying these silver boxes for the reason given above. The hinge is not flush with the lid. I have yet to see any such box where, squinting along the hinge with the lid closed, you can’t see daylight the other end. In short they will leak fine milled snuff like a pepper pot. With good boxes the hinge is perfectly flush.

FischTix

@PhilipS That's why I'll stick to my slide lid wooden boxes...they don't leak, and they have a much warmer, eathy, natural feel to em. Metal boxes just have such a cold, dead vibe to em.

FischTix

I just went to check out these boxes after snuffster's warning...there seems to be a lot of quotes used...'usable depth' as he mentioned and one had 'dosing holes'...that kind of speaks for itself as using finger quotes is slang for 'but not really'...never noticed it til snuffster pointed it out. Thanks for the heads up to the ones that do prefer silver boxes.

n9inchnails

Yeah I was always weary of those Snuffstore boxes and never got one because they looked like pillboxes, but the new plain and engraved lid boxes look legit.

FischTix

Just a stupid random thought that popped into my head but...I guess the camera really does add 10 lbs!! lol!

Koba22

So are you saying that the 'Silver Snuff Box Plain PB452' is legit, but avoid the cameo design topped ones? Ive had my eye on the plain one for a while...

Walrus1985

I've got the plain one, it is snuff proof and well worth the money.

Stefan

Snuffster

One snuff box I can greatly recommend and one that I use very often is the reproduction silver snuff box from Walsh Brothers in the UK. It is about the size of a JandH can, has a great hinge and is very beautiful. They are compact but they are genuine snuff boxes; I've used one for the last 2 or 3 years - it's on the 'pill box' section of their site but is clearly marked as a snuff box. Retails at about 50GBP - well worth the outlay and will prove its worth in 'failed' purchases.

Snuffster

Btw, the round box with the 'dosing holes' was reviewed by a member a couple of years ago on the thread 'my new snuff box from Rajeks'

If all this is making you too wary to buy a snuff box, don't let it. You just have to be cautious, not buy the first pertty thang that you see and take a little advice. Having a real snuffbox greatly increases the pleasure of snuff taking; I've got 20 odd great snuffboxes and some members have many more; they are out there to be bought and enjoyed and it pays to look about the net, just make sure of your purchase. As I've said before, if I was in the market for a first snuffbox I would go for a Pat Collins or one of the rosewood flip tops that have either a clover leaf or piece of white metal scroll work on the lid (sorry for those who have bought them as antiques on the net, they are modern French boxes. They are not made anymore but a lot of them in circulation still and as old stock here and there) Mcgayheys still have some but when they are gone it will be a question of getting them off ebay. Wooden flip top snuffboxes will slacken up over time but still remain useable. I've carried one as my day to day for over 20 years and though its a bit battered its still great.

Mr. Nose

Has anyone tried the WoS Pewter Snuff Boxes. I was thinking of getting one with my next order and being from Wilson's I would assume it would do the job well. But it never hurts to get some feedback from someone who nose.

Snuffster

Pewter boxes are good, but the metal is very soft so needs a bit of care. The closure will slacken off with time but the sides of the box can usually be gently squeezed back to tighten the lid up again. There are only a couple of variants on sale at the moment and the heavy round ones are table top boxes that are slightly too bulky for pocket use. Mcgayheys has better ones (Im not a McGayheys agent, he just happens to have some of the best of the original boxes still in stock)

n9inchnails

I have one of the WoS Pewter snuffboxes, they are tabletop snuffboxes. You cannot put them in your pocket, they are too big and they leak like no tommorrow. My recently acquired silver snuff box is far superior to these in every way. As I said these are for tabletop ONLY!

Edit: Looks like snuffster is a faster typer then I, he beat me to the punch.

Mr. Nose

Thanks for the input. I greatly appreciate it!

Xander

I'd appreciate some educated opinions on these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260729278837&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160549448002&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Bart

They spelled "Oldebiscuit" with an "e" so, yes..That is a #1 clue, Xander...that is a genuine ENGLISH snuffbox. Bid at will.

(It actually looks pretty nice!)

ermtony

I'm sure I've seen the first one on Ebay before.... though it would appear to be a real snuff box.

The second is a real beauty by the looks. Definitely the real thing.

PhilipS

The first box has dimensions of only 2*1.25 inches. Mark it out using a ruler, paper and pencil and you can see just how tiny this box is. No good as a snuffbox - excellent as a pill box though. Don’t buy it.

John Shaw needs no introduction as a maker of genuine snuffboxes. The example here has an interior gold wash - always a sign of good quality. The condition is fine and the all-important hinge has not, as far as I can tell, been repaired. It’s an excellent example of a late Georgian box. Try comparing the bid of $263 with other examples of silver/gold J.S boxes from George IV.

Xander

Thank you for the feedback. Sadly, the second one has jumped out of my price range. I will not be bidding on either.