Rare Scottish Table Snuff Mull, Dated 1873

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Rare Scottish Table Snuff Mull, Dated 1873

About the Item

Second half of the 19th Century The ram’s with scrolling horns inset with a silver box headed by a pink semi-precious stone the cover of the box with a cartouche inscribed William Taylor, MD, Cardiff. The two scrolling horns ended with pineapple shaped extremities also inset with pink faceted stones. Set on four iron castors. With silver Edinburgh stamps for 1873. Measures: H. 9.5 in. x 16 in. x 16 in. (24 cm x 40 cm x 40 cm.) Very good condition. A snuff mull is an oversized snuff box. Mounted on castors, it would have been rolled down the table for gentlemen to partake of the snuff in the small silver box on top of the ram's head. Attached to the mull by silver chains are a rake to scratch the snuff, a small spoon to scoop it up and a rabbit's foot for the gentlemen to wipe their moustaches after taking their sniff. Snuff was a fashion which became popular among Britain's upper class in the 18th century. Snuff is powdered tobacco that is inhaled through the nose. The practice of ‘taking snuff’ became common in Europe in the 1600s and was hugely popular throughout the 1700s. The ram was almost certainly a former regimental mascot whose faithful service would have been commemorated by preserving its head in this fashion. As such it would have been brought out for use at regimental dinners and other gatherings. Snuff was well liked for its aroma, taste and nicotine boost. It was also believed to ward off colds and to be good for the relief of ear, nose and throat problems. Snuff boxes were a practical necessity, but could also be symbols of social standing and came in many different materials and shapes.

Attributed to:
John Wakelin & William Taylor (Workshop/Studio)
Dimensions:
Height: 9.5 in (24.13 cm)Width: 16 in (40.64 cm)Depth: 16 in (40.64 cm)
Style:
Regency (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Silver,Engraved
Place of Origin:
Scotland
Period:
1870-1879
Date of Manufacture:
1873
Condition:
Seller Location:
Brussels, BE
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU326939521461