Snuff Box

Civil War Soldiers Snuff Box. Click picture for details.

Snuff Box, circa 1840’s – 1860’s. It is made of a very hard black paper mache with a hinged lid that has an embossed design. It measures only 1 ¼” x 7/8” x ½”. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries snuff production boomed, far outstripping smoking tobacco (or its US sibling, chewing tobacco). And it was even recommended by doctors as a general cure-all, particularly effective in the treatment of coughs, colds and headaches. Many Civil War soldiers, both North and South, carried snuff in their haversacks. This unique snuff container is in beautiful condition, only showing signs of normal use.