Revolutionary War through Civil War Snuff Box, circa 1780 – 1840

This is another great piece being offered, it is an early Snuff Box, circa 1780 – 1840. It is lacquered wood, measuring 2” x 3 7/8”. The lid which runs the length of the box remains tight.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries snuff production boomed, far outstripping smoking tobacco (or its US sibling, chewing tobacco). It was even recommended by doctors as a general cure-all, particularly effective in the treatment of coughs, colds, and headaches.

Many Revolutionary War soldiers, and later on, Civil War soldiers, both North and South, carried snuff in their haversacks in containers such as this one. These containers also served the dual purpose of carrying tobacco. In the “Collectors Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution”, by Neumann and Kravic, there is an example of this snuff box (see pictures). Also, in "Commanders of the Civil War", there is another example of a snuff box (see pictures).

In my book “The Civil War Soldier – His Personal Items”, I go into more detail on this product and other tobacco products. More than likely, this probably belonged to an officer, judging by the quality. It would make a great addition to a display of a Civil War or Revolutionary War soldier’s personal effects.