Silver-mounted snuff mull

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A snuff mull is a container for snuff. This silver-mounted horn example dates from around 1715.

The circular base is engraved 'I.R.VIII'. A silver strap connects the base mount with the lid and is engraved 'A gift from a friend to James Buchanan of Kirenach'.

The 18th century saw a huge increase in snuff-taking in Scotland. Snuff mulls were made of various materials such as silver, horn, ivory and ebony. Curly sheep or cow horns were commonly used to make mulls.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-001-166-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.MEQ 1554
• Date: Around 1715
  
• Material: Horn, silver mounts. Inscription: On base: crowned thistle / I . R . VII [in the band of the crown]; A gift from a friend to James Buchanan of Kirenach [script]
  Snuff mull
  
• Dimensions: 135 mm L x 54 mm max lid D
  
• What: Snuff mull
  
• Subject: Gold and silver (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: James Buchanan of Kirenach (Owner)
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Silver-mounted horn snuff-mull with a tapering horn body, octagonal in section, and an applied circular base, inscribed "A gift from a friend to James Buchanan of Kirenach"
  
• References:
  • Calder, J. 'The Wealth of a Nation'. Edinburgh: NMS, 1989 pp. 178-9 
• Translations:
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