Scottish Burr Root Snuff Mull Newfoundland Dog C 1850's AF

This is rare and decorative Mauchline Ware burr root wood table snuff box that was made in Scotland circa 1850's. The subject matter of the Newfoundland dog, the gorgeous coloring and patina add to the enormous appeal of this collectable 19th century snuff box.

Newfoundland dogs were a favorite breed of four US presidents. James Buchanan brought Lara into the Whitehouse in the 1857 period. See the artistic impression of her in the popular 1857 magazine called ' Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper'. Ulysses S. Grant had a Newfoundland called Faithful, Rutherford B. Hayes had a newfie called Hector and James A. Garfield had a Newfie called Veto.
Mauchline Ware has always been extremely collectible, particularly pieces featuring animals. Mauchline Ware is the name given to the 19th century wooden printed tourist wares manufactured in the town of Mauchline, East Ayrshire, Scotland. Infamous for the boxes ingenious hidden knuckle hinges.

The Burr wood examples are often decorated with detailed penwork designs rather than the transfer printed scenes found on the less expensive, more uniformed shaped, mass produced pieces. Burr wood examples are the most collectible type of Mauchline Ware as they are each unique and are the hardest find!

Snuff mulls were offered for use after dinner, when their host would offer then a pinch of snuff from a communal box. The word ‘mull’ is derived from a Scottish dialect word for mill, as the snuff was typically ground in a mill to a powder or meal.

This is the perfect item for anyone who collects Mauchline Ware, Treen, anyone who loves dogs or perhaps has a connection to bonnie Scotland!

Measuring: Width 3 1/8 inch (8 cm) by Height 1 ¾ inch (4.5 cm). Depth 2 ¾ inch (7 cm).

Condition: Sound but not pristine. Minor area of loss to varnish on lid. Wear to the front hinge exterior of 6th knuckle . surface wear and drying to a few tips of the base of the Burr. A few minor areas of loss to the silver tinned lining all commensurate with age.

Item ID:14905