Antique Scottish Silver Snuff Mull

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Object Description

Large size. An antique horn snuff mull with a silver mount and hinged lid. The attached chain has a small snuff spoon, bone hammer and silver mounted rabbits foot. The lid has a cut out silver mount with thistles, also a silver shield with crest and motto “MANU FORTI”. Around the top rim is a hand engraved inscription dated 1838.

Spread 18 cm. Diameter 7 cm.

Unmarked silver. Probably Scottish.

Inscription reads “To Angus McKay as a Mark of Respect from Wm Hunter Glasgow 1838”.

Motto “Manu Forti” means “With a Strong Hand”. This is the motto of the McKay clan.

Object Literature

Grinding tobacco leaves in order to inhale the powder dates from the mid 17th century in Europe however the first snuff boxes don’t seem to have appeared until the reign of William III circa 1695.

Object Condition

All in good condition. The shield on the top has a few small dinks. The little spoon has 2 tiny holes, possibly original. The cork seal on the inside of the lid has a bit of wear.