Description:

Snuff, or powdered tobacco, which comes from the plant Nicotiana tabacum, was introduced into Europe during the 16th century, having first been used by Native peoples of South America. Snuff-using quickly became very fashionable in Europe, and for the next several centuries elaborate containers were produced for men to carry on their person. This snuffbox, shaped like a globe, is a fine example of English Battersea enamel. It belonged to John Samuel McCord (1801-1865), father of David Ross McCord, the Museum's founder.

Keys to History:

Snuff, or powdered tobacco, was introduced to Europe during the 16th century, after Europeans learned about it from the Native peoples in North America. Snuff-using quickly became very fashionable in Europe, and for the next several centuries artisans produced elaborate snuff containers for men.

This snuffbox, shaped like a globe, belonged to John Samuel McCord (1801-1865), father of David Ross McCord (1844-1930), founder of the McCord Museum. David Ross McCord incorporated his father's snuffbox into his collection of objects of historical importance. He considered artifacts to be subjects for research and integral to the finding of scientific truth. Well-instructed by his father on collecting and maintaining a collection, McCord kept meticulous documentation in order to establish the provenance of his artifacts.

Snuff-taking was considered to be a sign of a gentlemen in the mid-19th century. The sophisticated art of taking snuff involved inhaling a pinch of this special tobacco up the nose, then sneezing discreetly.

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