Five Scottish Silver Mounted Horn Snuff Mulls

late 18th to early 19th century, the first in natural scrolled horn form with silver thistle mount to lid and shield cartouche engraved with WR script monogram; the next of similar form with silver foliate mount to lid, engraved John M. Kay to rim, and shield cartouche engraved with Masonic symbol; the third similar form, round lid engraved with Heraldic Eagle and crucifixes above Latin banners "Tenax Fidei" ("tenacious of faith"); the fourth of waisted ovoid form, lid with silver butterfly hinges and engraved cartouche J O, underside with later label identifying monogram as possibly "James Ochterlon(e?)y of Arbroath"; the fifth in rectangular form, with fancy silver mounts engraved with scrolls and stylized foliate motifs.
Largest 3 1/4 in.
From a Private Collection, Washington, D.C.
Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.lelandlittle.com

Some degradation to corking; some surface wear to silver and to horn; ovoid form with vertical crack to body.