‘Square snuff stuff’

     

Courtesy apronsandtools blog

Auctioned at Christies just about a decade ago was this snuff box. The description reads: The cover painted with Fortuna holding a cornucopia and leaning against a column inscribed Le grand Art de se taire, Masonic instruments at her feet, within a gilt line and band border, the sides with figures, carriages and buildings in parkland landscapes, the base with three birds perched on a rocky outcrop supporting a triangle below the inscription Trois au veritable, the interior of the hinged cover painted with a Mason in a tricorn hat wearing and holding Masonic symbols, with further instruments strewn at his feet, in a draped portico before distant classical buildings, the interior of the box richly gilt (slight wear to base and to gilt border of cover) 3¼ in. (8.3 cm.) wide overall.

All this talk of Kipling reminded me to share some photos of Masonic-related snuff paraphernalia. Snuff is a powder form of tobacco—not for everyone, but appreciated by those who historically could not smoke at work: coal miners, sweatshop seamstresses, munitions makers, etc. It also was a favorite among the upper classes who didn’t have to work at all, so go figure. It is taken in minute quantities, gently, through the nostril.

I’m happiest with my pipes, but snuff will do “in a pinch.”

On display in the Museum of Freemasonry this month in the “Phases Exhibit” was this snuff handkerchief made in the 1870s. Hard to imagine using this for its intended purpose, namely expelling tobacco-infused mucus at high velocity from the nose, but maybe its preserved condition proves it never was put to use. “Phases” shows various ways Freemasonry uses sights in the heavens for some of its symbols—or it did until two weeks ago when the museum closed due to the virus.

Courtesy Museum of Freemasonry

I don’t know if this brand name has anything to do with the Craft, but Square snuff is available without time travel. One reviewer online says this:

K and B Auction Co.

This is no doubt the smokiest American scotch snuff I have had to date. It comes in a plastic container with a snap down lid that keeps it fresh. It is dry and very fine milled typical of most scotches. I would say that it has a high nicotine hit and a moderate burn, followed by a nice mesquite campfire scent. It reminds me of Bruton snuff but is a darker brown with more smoke flavor. A slow and gentle pinch for a beginning snuffer, this can easily make you cough. Square is an occasional snuff for me and one of my favorite scotches. I highly recommend it if you enjoy a strong nic hit with heavy smokiness.


And finally, there are snuff boxes. Stylish snuff-takers pocket their powder in tiny containers of all kinds, and don’t be surprised if the brethren prefer their snuff boxes ornamented with familiar designs.

Courtesy Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s sold this box in a lot 50 years ago that fetched nearly the £1,800 anticipated. The enameled snuff box dates to c.1765. From the description: rectangular, the lid and sides colorfully painted with Masonic symbols and a temple against a purple sky, within raised gilt flowers and scrolls, gilt-metal mounts, probably Birmingham.

9.2cm., 3⅝in. wide ; 6.5cm. 2½in. wide.

From the description at Steppes Hill Farm Antiques: An extremely rare and unusual 18th century silver trick opening Masonic Snuff or Patch Box, of oval form with flush hinge, the lid bright-cut engraved and set with applied Masonic symbols, including the sun, the moon, a beehive, a set square and compass etc. The Set square has to be pushed forward to unlock the interior mechanism which has three pins locating into circular metal wheels to lock the lid. The base with bright-cut engraved border and presentation inscription – “J.S to R.Banks.”

Sold - £4,950.00

Two more beauties, courtesy Lyon & Turnbull.