Horn Snuff Mull (2)

This large snuff mull has a silver decorative hinge and circuluar plaque on the lid with the name "Alex Hector" engraved on it. The stopper on the inside of the lid is made with cork. Cork was widely used as it did not dry out the snuff inside, unlike some other materials.   From the 17th to early 20th century snuff, a form of ground tobacco, was commonly used in Scotland. People carried small snuff boxes, but such was demand for snuff, larger vessels called snuff mulls were manufactured for use in the home. These were often made from rams' horns as this material kept the snuff dry. They were often decorative pieces made to place on a table to impress guests.