c1811 Horn Snuff Box

A finely made Georgian-era snuff box made from a Scottish ram's horn, mounted with sterling silver and a glass lid. A hand engraved plaque on the front indicates it was a prize awarded to "Mr. Will Affleck by the Caledonian Gardeners Lodge Edin for the 2nd best Auricula 1811." Auricula is a type of primrose native to Scotland. Gardeners' societies in Scotland originated in the 17th century as a sort of professional union, and later became friendly societies of both professional and amateur gardeners. The Caledonian Gardeners' Lodge of Edinburgh, where this snuff box came from, was founded in 1782.