Snuff is the fine powder of pulverized tobacco leaves. The leaves are "cured," that is, aged and fermented—possibly for weeks or months. Sometimes flavors or fragrances are added to the tobacco. Europeans first encountered snuff in the Americas and took it back to England and Europe where it quickly became very popular. Tobacco was first grown in the Americas and snuff is believed to have been used by indigenous peoples well before the year 1000 BC. By the time the White man arrived in the New World, tobacco (and snuff) use had spread through much of South, Central and North America—as well as to the Caribbean. It is believed that snuff use had traveled to Africa even before the Atlantic Slave Trade.
A pinch of snuff was inhaled into one or both nostrils—delivering a "hit" of nicotine to the delicate interior membranes of the nose. Like with cocaine, the chemical gave an energizing lift to the user.
In Europe, this new and exotic substance spawned a culture of use and the accoutrements to elevate the experience. Pocket-sized snuff boxes—with space to carry one day's supply—were probably the most important accessory. A tight-fitting lid was paramount as snuff degrades with exposure to air. Otherwise, a snuffbox could be plain or fancy—to suit the pocketbook of its owner.
Needless to say, snuff (and other tobacco) use is highly addictive. Snuff use is also filthy. The curry brown powder, when mixed with sinus fluids, requires a constant (and heavily-used) handkerchief or rag be kept at-hand. Staining of clothes and skin is frequent. Snuff is also carcinogenic. While snuff might be (marginally) safer than inhaling tobacco smoke, it can still cause cancers of the nose, mouth, esophagus, pancreas and lead to cardiovascular disease. Health scientists say there is no safe level of snuff use.
The handsome Victorian English snuff box, shown above, might be employed today in alternative new, different, and safer ways. Perhaps it could be used to present a special ring? Or a pair of handsome cufflinks? It's a nice place to keep one's collar stays. Or present the house key to a new home buyer. The box is made of lacquered papier-mâché and the tight-fitting lid is inlayed with a "pavement" of crushed abalone shell. Click on the photo above to learn more about this handsome Victorian snuffbox.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248