Featured HELP IDENTIFY..burl wood snuff box ?? and signature

THANKS in advance for your help....is this a snuff box and theres something written inside base that i cant make out...i was hoping someone would just know off hand..the inside is lined with what i think could be zinc?? but some is missing on the lid and does that hurt its value..the bottom photo shows an honest strong wear pattern..im wondering if this is anything special and does anyone have any info on it..BTW the hinge is wood not metal

 

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thankyou so much

 

last line 'Buckingham'?

edit..

or maybe it's Auchinleck

 

How big is it? I think it could be a tobacco box. I don't know if it's tight enough for snuff, which is a fine powder.

 

snuff , is tobacco !

it's small enuf and has a liner......... so snuff is a good bet...

 

How small is small enough? Most snuff boxes are for pocket use, but larger table boxes are made. Yes, snuff is tobacco, but it's a specific type, far finer than most tobacco grinds, which is why snuff boxes need to close very securely.

 

yes , o course........

look at his fingers..... it fits in the palm of his hand.......and the metal liner tells me it was one a tight fit..!!!

 

wow you all are like detectives...awesome thankyou all....andy

 

Someone already did that
https://birlantantiquescharleston.c...ing_wp_cron=1742780721.9391810894012451171875

 

good detective work there Pal !!!!!!!!!!!

 

It is Scottish, but it isn't Mauchline ware. This is an antique burr wood Scottish snuff box, made in Auchinleck, not in Mauchline.

Mauchline ware is very recognizable. It is decorated, either with a tartan pattern or with scenic sites. And it was made by the Smith family in Mauchline, no one else, as far as I know.

More on Mauchline ware (which this box isn't):
http://bobbrooke.com/mauchlinware.htm

 

this is really crazy...the box in those photos is my box....its not that its similar...its the same box...everything is exactly the same..every knot and wood grain...look at the back photos...its the same...the guy i purchased it from said he won iot in an auction..yesterday i bought it from him..i asked how much he wanted and he said he could not go lower than 20 bucks...this is absolutely nuts....??????

 

are u in SC...I can't get into their website........
but the net says it's still in stock.................... Strange !!!

could it have been stolen???

 

im in new york