The Silver Snuff Boxes have landed!

They are now listed on site - click Silver Snuff Box for more detals; as promised below are some additional photos for those of you wishing to see the silver snuff boxes from different angles.

This Silver Snuff Box has a pattern on the lid.

This is the plain highly polished silver snuff box.

This silver snuff box is slightly heavier than the other two rectangle snuff boxes.

This is the round silver snuff box.

I hope the above are of assistance to any of you who are considering adding a new silver snuff box to your collection. If there’s any other snuff box ‘views’ you’d like me to take a quick photo of, please get in touch using the contact area of the main site.

Many thanks for taking the time to view these silver snuff box images.

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Snuff, Snuff Boxes & Politics

Taken from Tobacco Talk & Smokers Gossip, which has numerous snuff related anecdotes. Snuff, snuff boxes and politics relates how no politician should be without a snuff box, as snuff taking ‘buys them time’ when answering a difficult question!

Talleyrand was a snuff-taker, not from devotion to the habit, but on principle. The wily politician used to say (and doubtless Metternich, who was a confirmed snuff-taker, would have agreed with him.) that all diplomatists ought to take snuff, as it afforded a pretext for delaying a reply with which one might not be ready; it sanctioned the removal of one’s eyes from those of the questioner; occupied one’s hands which might else convict one of nervous fidget; and the action partly concealed that feature which is least easily schooled into hiding or belying human feelings - the mouth. If its workings were visible through the fingers, those twitches might be attributed to the agreeable irritation going on above.

So there you have it, if you’re struggling for a reply to a difficult question; take a leaf out of Talleyrand’s book and reach for your snuff box, take a large pinch and think!

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Silver Snuff Box

Snuff Store has been on the lookout for a ‘quality’ silver snuff box supplier for several months. We now think that we’ve found a suitable silver manufacturer, who has a history of producing fine silver snuff boxes.

As of 25th March the below are available, click Silver Snuff Boxes for more details.

We’re in the process of deciding which snuff boxes to stock and at what price to list them on site. There are about 15 to choose from and we’ve narrowed these down to three as fully described below. In fact, the viability of this silver snuff box quest will eventually be determined by our Snuff Store customers.

Please see below images of silver snuff boxes that we feel are suitable and please either contact us via details on this page, or leave a comment on this post about whether you feel the snuff boxes are suitable; what price you would expect to see them listed at, and finally if we listed them on site would you be interested in purchasing them?

If the snuff box suitability questions come back positive and the prices that you think they should be marked at are within the reach of Snuff Store, we will stock these items. If not, we shall carry on looking!

Round Silver Snuff Box

The round silver snuff box. This snuff box reminds me of the Ozona Raspberry Snuff dispenser. It is .925 Sterling Silver and has various hallmarks; size-wise, it’s 3.8cm diameter x 1 cm deep and weighs 24 grams.

Silver Snuff Box Rectangle

This silver snuff box has an embossed pattern style on the lid. It is .925 Sterling Silver and has various hallmarks; size-wise, it’s 6.2 x 3.4 x 1.5 cms and weighs 34 grams. This unlike several of the other boxes out there is actually described by the manufacturer as a ’snuff box’ - not a pill box. For snuffers, it’s unusual to find something actually manufactured in silver specifically for snuff storage these days.

Plain Silver Snuff Box Rectangle

The plain silver rectangle snuff box is similar in dimensions to the embossed snuff box. It is .925 Sterling Silver and has various hallmarks; size-wise, it’s 6.2 x 3.4 x 1.5 cms and weighs 34 grams. Like the embossed version above, (and unlike several of the other silver boxes out there) it is actually described by the manufacturer as a ’snuff box’ - not a pill box.

So there we have it, what we need from you is an indication as to whether silver snuff boxes like the above would be of interest to you and what you would consider a suitable price for the three silver snuff box offerings above. If the general consensus is ‘yes’ to interested and the price suggested is workable, we’ll stock them.

Silver Snuff Box

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How To Use A Zuka Snuff Bullet

Several people have emailed Snuff Store asking how the Zuka Snuff bullet works; so please find below diagram supplied by Zuka showing how to use a snuff bullet.

If you need to see a even bigger version of this picture in order to work out how to use a zuka snuff bullet, please click the below image.

This will then take you to a page that allows you to view the ‘how to use a snuff bullet’ image in a larger resolution.

The method shown could also be used by those considering purchasing a ‘empty’ re-usable snuff bullet.

Snuff bullets are perhaps considered by some to be the ‘modern day’ snuff box. Easy and convenient to carry, snuff bullets offer a ‘clean’ means of nasal snuff delivery.

I hope this post helps explain how to use a snuff bullet to those with any questions.

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How To Take Of A Pinch Of Snuff

A lot has been written about snuff taking customs - many in-depth instructions can be found in the books listed in the snuff books section.

One of the most widely referenced methods is ‘How To Partake Of A Pinch Of Snuff’, taken from a book titled ‘Tobacco’, which was written in 1857 by Andrew Steinmetz.

In the book, A. Steinmetz explains that; “The true artistic method of ‘taking a pinch’ consists of twelve operations:

1. Take the Snuff-box with your right hand.
2. Pass the Snuff-box to your left hand.
3. Rap the Snuff-box.
4. Open the Snuff-box.
5. Present the box to the company.
6. Receive it after going the round.
7. Gather up the Snuff in the box by striking the side with the middle and forefinger.
8. Take up a pinch with the right hand.
9. Keep the Snuff a moment or two between the fingers before carrying it to the nose.
10. Put the Snuff to your nose.
11. Sniff it in with precision by both nostrils, and without any grimace.
12. Close the Snuff-box with a flourish.”

Found in Tobacco by A. Steinmetz, published in 1857.

Steinmetz goes on to explain that; “The true snuff-taker, who is bold in his propensities, always has a large wooden snuff box, which he opens with a crash, and which he flourishes about him, with an air of satisfaction and pride. He takes a pinch with three fingers, and then bringing the whole upon his thumb, he sniffs it up with that lusty pleasure with which a rustic smacks a kiss upon the round and ruddy cheek of his sweetheart.”

Advice from the Wilsons states: “A little perseverance may be required to acquire the habit but the stimulating effect, subtly different to that of smoking tobacco, can be found to be equally satisfying whilst avoiding the known risk of smoking.”

The advice from the experts is that you will sneeze at first but take another two pinches within the next half hour and the desire to sneeze will go - and the “indefinable lift” will follow.

How to take snuff as described in the magazine “la gazette de Venise” dated 1760:

1. Take the snuff box within right hand
2. Put it in your left hand
3. Tap on the snuff box
4. Open the snuff box
5. Present the snuff box to the company
6. Gather the tobacco in the snuff box by taping on its side
7. Take a pinch of tobacco with your right hand
8. Keep it between your fingers before taking it to the nose
9. Present the tobacco to the nose
10. Sniff with accuracy with your two nostrils
11. Do not show an ugly face
12. Clutch the snuff box, close the lid
13. Sneeze, spit, blow your nose

There are more than a few widely accepted methods of taking snuff. One of the most common is to simply take a pinch of snuff between your thumb and forefinger and sniff it sharply into one of your nostrils, and then into the other.

It is important to remember that the snuff should only be sniffed into the nose, not snorted. The snuff needs to remain in front of your nose, it is not intended to go into your sinuses or throat.

There is a interesting expansion of A. Steinmetz’s and la gazette de Venise’s snuff taking instructions published on Everything2 titled Snuff Etiquette and copied below.

As smoking declines in both popularity and legality; this advice is becoming relevant to a new generation of tobacco users who are choosing to insufflate rather than smoke.

Therefore to remain ‘up to snuff, and a pinch above’, it is imperative that a young gentleman learns the correct manner for snuff-taking.

Here follows an etiquette guide for the new snuff user:

Traditionally gentlemen do not take snuff when ladies are present.
However if you are in a situation where modern interaction would usually allow both sexes to smoke, for example a public house, then it is acceptable.

Formal etiquette dictates that women abstain from tobacco until at least fifty years of age. (Had Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, heeded this advice she might have avoided the nickname ‘Snuffy Charlotte’)

Your snuffbox should be chosen for the occasion.
For example a silver, ivory or mother-of-pearl snuffbox is appropriate for a formal event, and a brass or teak snuffbox is appropriate for watching rugger. A snuff-pouch is not considered a suitable container because the snuff will often become too moist. Pewter is a definite no-no as the metal is too soft.

Napoleon was once given a fragile mother-of-pearl snuffbox by Empress Josephine. When it broke through overuse Napoleon was distraught until Josephine gave him another one.

This demonstrates two things, firstly that there are consequences for not using an appropriately robust snuffbox, and secondly that cry babies do not make good Emperors.

Take the snuffbox from your pocket and pass it into your left hand.
Your inner left jacket pocket should be used to store all tobacco products.

Tap the snuffbox with your middle and forefinger so that the powdered tobacco gathers at one side.
This will also alert your acquaintances that snuff is about to be passed around.

Open the snuffbox and inspect the contents.
Check that the tobacco is not damp and that it is finely powdered If it is unusable, or if there is insufficient snuff to provide for the group, there is no shame in returning the snuffbox at this point.

Present the snuffbox to the surrounding company with a courteous bow.
The snuffbox travels clockwise and should only be held in the left hand. This is reminiscent of the way port is passed.

Receive the snuffbox back with the left hand.
Gather the snuff by striking the side with the middle and forefinger.

Take a pinch with the right hand, between thumb and forefinger.

Hold the snuff for a second or two between the fingers before taking.
Apart from allowing sufficient time to pass the snuffbox forward without keeping people waiting, this is also to display that you are not greedily hoarding the snuffbox.

Carry the pinch to the nose.
Never lean towards your hand. If anything snuff should be taken with your head tilted slightly backwards. Snuff can also be taken from an indentation formed at the base of the thumb. If you place your hand flat on the table with your fingers spread. Then as you raise the thumb this will reveal what is known as ‘The Anatomical Snuffbox ‘or colloquially ‘The Poorman’s Snuffbox’. This method is not recommended because the valuable snuff is far more likely to spill.

Snuff with precision by both nostrils and without grimaces or distortion of the features.
This is a very important point of differentiation between British and European snuff-takers. On the continent it is acceptable to let out a large sneeze after taking, however in Britain that is considered quite rude.

It is also very important that you sniff but do not snort. The snuff should not enter deeply into the sinuses.
Contrary to this advice in 1820 the double barrelled snuff pistol was invented; it was capable of packing a day’s worth of snuff into the nose using an explosive charge. This kind of behaviour would be considered vulgar by anyone’s standards.

Close snuffbox with a flourish.
Return the snuffbox to your jacket pocket.

Wipe nose and collar with a handkerchief.
Specialist handkerchiefs are available, they are usually colourful, patterned and silken. They are made to be thrown away because they will rapidly become soiled dark brown whenever the nose runs.

So hopefully out of the above snuff taking instructions, you’ll have found a method that will enable you to take a pinch of snuff.

More will be added to the How To Take A Pinch Of Snuff page shortly.

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All About Snuff And Snuff Taking was a book published by The Society of Snuff Grinders, Blenders and Purveyors.

A link to All About Snuff And Snuff Taking, (which is a hard to get snuff book) is included in the Snuff Books & Literature category top right.

The book is occasionally to be found listed for sale online and as such can command much more than it’s original cover price of just 95p!

Published by the now sadly defunct Society of Snuff Grinders, Blenders and Purveyors; with contributions from and descriptions of, the main players in the snuff tobacco industry operating in the UK in the early to mid 1980’s.

As some of you may know, I have a ‘thing’ about collecting snuff books. I’m always on the lookout for titles when visiting old book shops, as well as searching out copies of snuff books online.

I have today received in the post my very own copy of All About Snuff And Snuff Taking, it was a copy previously owned by a library in Cornwall and then sold on to a book dealer.

The snuff book is nicely covered in a protective plastic sleeve and apart from having a library slip glued to the inside front page, (to record the ‘due date’ of return should it ever have been booked out.) it is in mint condition.

Fortunately for me, my copy doesn’t seem to have been that popular with the users of the library and has never been booked out. Across the slip in capitals and red ink is stamped the word ‘withdrawn’.

All About Snuff And Snuff Taking is 36 pages long and utilises the front and back inside and the back outside cover to cram as much information as possible into it!

It is divided into sections as below.

1. This Gracious Custom
2. Snuff Taking Through The Ages
3. How Your Snuff Is Made
4. Types Of Snuff - And Their Uses
5. From Social Pleasure To Medical Prescription
6. The Secret Art Of Blending
7. The Beauty Of The Snuff Box
8. Who Takes Snuff And Why?
9. Snuff Taking And Health
10. List Of Members’ Snuffs

On the inside front cover are names of members of The Society of Snuff Grinders, Blenders and Purveyors. Many are happily still familiar today, several of the snuff companies listed have been bought out. Most thankfully are still in available even though the companies have changed hands; although in the section ‘List Of Members Snuffs’, we see tantalising references to snuff blends no longer in production.

On the inside back cover are contact details (one suspects that are long out of date!) of The Society of Snuff Grinders, Blenders and Purveyors.

On the outside back cover are instructions on How To Partake Of A Pinch Of Snuff, taken from a book published in 1857, titled Tobacco and written by A. Steinmetz - on further research it would appear that A. Steinmetz also wrote a book on gambling titled The Gaming Table: Its Votaries And Victims and others including, The History Of The Jesuits, Japan And Her People, The Romance Of Dueling!

A. Steinmetz’s instructions are published on numerous snuff websites and I’m sure at some point I’ll do him the honour of publishing them here too!

As I read the opening pages, I felt proud to be a part of the continuation of ‘This Gracious Custom’!

If you’re trying to get hold of a copy of All About Snuff And Snuff Taking, please visit the Snuff Books & Literature section top right for details of possible book sites to search.

I’ll print further extracts from All About Snuff And Snuff Taking as and when I have a chance.

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Snuff Camaraderie musings…

The nice thing about people who use snuff is the camaraderie - if you see someone in a pub taking snuff, complete strangers will soon be asking them for a ‘pinch’, and they’re always facilitated.

The contents of their ‘box’ is discussed and then the guessing game of which blend, what flavours can be detected etc commences.

Lifetime friendships are often forged over the contents of a snuff box.

It may be a strange facet of human nature that people with apparently nothing else in common, but the love of tobacco in powered form always seem to hit it off; but then again isn’t that just a lovely trait not to be ‘sniffed’ at?!

Those of you who know me, know that I sometimes have the ability to ‘talk the hind legs off of a donkey’… Especially if it’s a topic that’s close to my heart.

Today I was left speechless by the kindness of a Snuff Store regular - John Baxter.

On a description of McChrystals Violet Snuff, I had said that it had a sweet flavour that reminded Julia and I of good old fashioned violet sweets that we used to eat as kids!

Well, what should arrive today in the post? Four tubes of Palma Violets, with a nice note attached asking if these were the ‘violet’ sweets in question?

As I said earlier, snuffers are a nice bunch - how lovely to get a gift package in the post.

Cheers John!

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Snuff Cocktails inspired by Bryan.

I know that a lot of people like to make their own snuff cocktails, using ’secret’ recipes. Some people even like to grind their ‘left over’ old tobacco down and add it to make new, interesting and individual snuff blends.

The trick with this is always to write down what you’ve added…

There’s nothing worse than making a nice snuff blend and not keeping a note of quantities of oils, brands of tobacco ground down and other bits and bobs of useful information - should you discover a ‘winner’ you’ll want to be able to recreate it in the future!

Since Snuff Store’s launch, it has been my pleasure to ‘meet’ some wonderful people, one of whom - Bryan Fast is a Snuff Store regular and always ‘free’ with his advice!

Bryan emailed in a few days ago with his own snuff cocktail blends made using various different snuffs.

*****************************************************

Dear Julia and Tim,

First off, I wish to thank you for your excellent service and the incomparable range of snuffs offered.

I have dabbled with ’snuff-taking’ for many years, but since the Government has turned smokers into lepers, I am now taking the pastime more seriously!

I am amazed at the vast number of varieties available, as in the past I had only tried the Hedges and Wilsons from local tobacconists. I can thoroughly recommend all POSCHL snuffs especially Gletsher Prise, Lowen-Prise & Red Bull.

Some blends I have mixed are:

1) My Spice Mix

Equal quantities of Manjul (Clove) and Kendal Sandalwood.

2) My Aniseed Mix

Equal quantities of Wilsons Aniseed & Eucalyptus and Robbies Top Mint

3) My Medicated Mix

One third quantities of Kendal Special Medicated (Strong Peppermint), Wilsons Extra Menthol and Menthol Toque

I have also tried adding 3 or 4 dops of pure essential oils (Lavender/Eucalyptus) to Robbies (which isn’t very strong) with good results. Do you sell a lavender?

If your snuff becomes too dry, gradually dampen it with a fine aqueous spray until it is moist enough.

Finally, you do not have to purchase fancy snuff boxes as the Poschl range provide free re-usable snuff dispensers (not Gletsher Prise) which are quite excellent.

Kind Regards

Bryan Fast

PS Keep up the good work!

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Well many thanks to Bryan for sharing his ’secret’ snuff cocktail receipes - if you’d like to share yours then please feel free to contact us and we’ll gladly publish them here.

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Just found a couple of Zuka Snuff videos posted on YouTube.

The first is a short presentation on the history and idea behind Zuka snuff and shows the launch of Zuka at a German beer festival.

It has interviews with various people who’ve tried Zuka snuff and also interviews a couple of newspaper reporters who like the idea of Zuka snuff.

The second is a short video on how to use Zuka Snuff. Set to funky music, the video goes through the ‘how to use’ process for Zuka snuff bullets.

Snuff Store stocks both Zuka Black and Zuka Zee snuff varieties, in bullet form.

Zuka Snuff Video

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Snuff bullets are increasing in popularity.

We have added ‘The Posh’ Snuff Bullet range of snuff bullets to our snuff accessories section. The Posh offer two different versions of their bullet; one a metal snuff bullet, and one a plastic snuff bullet - the plastic version comes in a variety of colours.

The Posh Metal Snuff Bullet is a heavy weight quality product weighing around 65g, it is designed to give years of snuff use. It has been the snuff bullet of choice for over six years.

Such is the workmanship that can be found with The Posh range of snuff bullets, it’s design has needed to change little over this time, except for some small modifications and improvements.

The Posh have recently launched a plastic version of the original metal bullet. The Posh Plastic Snuff Bullets come in a variety of colours and offers the same quality as the original metal version, but made out of a lighter plastic material.

The Posh Plastic Snuff Bullets operate in exactly the same way as their metal counterparts.

Both versions of The Posh snuff bullet are easy to use, please see below image and instructions.

Simple to use, unscrew the screw holding the end cap in place with a screwdriver or small coin, take cap off, fill the ‘C’ shaped chamber with snuff - be careful not to get any down the screw hole, it may be easier to fill with a snuff spoon, screw cap back on again to keep your snuff safe and dry.

To use the Snuff Bullet, twist the bullet holding at the ’screw end’ with one hand and on the body of the snuff bullet with the other to ensure a measure amount of snuff is delivered.

Can be used to snuff straight from the bullet, or to tap out onto wrist. If snuffing from bullet, ensure the ‘air hole’ is lined up, take to the nostril and sniff.

Snuff bullets are now so commonly used, that some people see them as the ‘modern day’ snuff box, check out Snuff Store’s Snuff Bullets today.

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