In the 18th and 19th century it was a popular to take snuff which was a very fine powdered tobacco. Snuff boxes came in all shapes and materials which all had to have a tightly fitting lid to stop the powder from escaping.

In Scotland rams horn was used to make a snuff mull, a piece of horn would be heated and fashioned into the desirable shape and then sanded and highly polished finishing with a horn and silver lid fashioned to fit snuggly in the snuff mull. Originally in the 18th century these would be made by shepherds and farmers for personal use, but eventually this design became popular and they would be produced by Scottish artisans.

This is a lovely example of a Scottish snuff mull with unmarked silver fitting dating from around 1850-1860. I very tactile object that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand.