I've never been a fan of snuff, but it did have interesting spin-offs (spins-off?).
Taking snuff is as pointless and unhealthy as smoking tobacco itself. The fact that it's been ground into a fine powder, to be stuck up one's nose, is no redeeming feature. The very act of introducing an alien product into the body (other than red wine) is not to be recommended.
However, the fact that 'snorting' snuff made one sneeze, meant that the 'snorters' required their own specific handkerchiefs; and why make snuff handkerchiefs dull, when one can make them uber-decorative, such as the above.
I used to buy these at a shop called 'The Tie Rack' in Brighton; more known for their ties than hankies, but they always stocked a few for the discerning buyer. That particular branch of The Tie Rack is now long gone, however, if they were still there I would have continued to buy their hankies.
The above is the only example I could find for the moment. I have several, including plenty of the bog-standard red spotted ones (the ones you wrap your sandwiches in, when you're leaving home).
So much nicer than plain white hankies; a classier sneeze altogether.
My mother was a handkerchief fan, the lacy female variety, and I have many of them which have become a legend in our non-handkinchif-using family. Legend, maybe curiosity is more accurate. We all use paper tissues though I do lecture the girls now and again on the expediency of always having a clean handkerchief in your purse.
ReplyDeleteShe also gave a few, plain greens and maroon, to my greek husband. I am sure my father used handkerchiefs but he was the only make I know who did. Greek husband has left them at the bottom of his drawer though I have suggested that one in the breast pocket of a suit is classy.
I can see the need for bright red handkerchiefs, especially one with polka dots. You never know when you might need one to wrap your sandwiches and tie on the end of a stick. Actually, put that in the past tense. You're not allowed to run away from home now, unless you have a permit
When I was about 16 I had a sudden nosebleed in Brighton; and no hankie. I rushed to a men's shop (Burton's) and asked for a handkerchief, and the silly old fool started showing me ones that had initials embroidered into them. He could see my problem, but just decided to have some fun at my expense. Eventually I bought one with my initial on it, and he started to wrap it. I grabbed it and, you can imagine the rest. Stupid man!
DeleteI still use handkerchiefs but not bright ones like snuff ones, they are too rough. Mine are soft and sweet and white with embroidery in one corner. For colds, which I dont get but if I did I would rip up an old sheet into squares.
ReplyDeleteKitchen towels for me these days, but I ALWAYS keep a snuff hankie in my money bag.
DeleteWhen you leave your mortal coil (I hope a long time hence) and they find you with your money bag and hanky one will say Here’s Cro. He’s finally snuffed it!
ReplyDeleteWe always said much the same about my silver ring. Skeletal remains plus silver Maltese Cross ring = Cro.
DeleteLove the hanky - haven't seen one for years. My Grandpa took snuff and always had a great supply of white (starched!) hankies which always ended up stained with snuff much to my granma's annoyance.
ReplyDeleteAs long as they are only for "decorative" purposes. The very idea of using a handkerchief (not least for blowing your nose) has me in knots. I can think of little less hygienic. On my desk (and other locations) you will find a roll of toilet paper (yes, Corona, take note -we'll eradicate you yet). Cheap, efficient, straight into the waste paper basket after use.
ReplyDeleteHaving said the above, I do have a fond memory of proper hankies, white, laced: Those of my dear grandmother. With a twinkle in her eye, usually just before we went out, she'd make a knot in the one she was carrying, to remember something. It was pure magic. Always seemed to work. How? I still haven't worked it out. In the name of research, and in fondest memory of the most important woman in my life, I have just tied a knot into two adjoining pieces of the finest and softest Andrex toilet tissue to remind me of . . . what?
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I occasionally bought handkerchiefs (I ALWAYS have handkerchiefs upon my person and in the top pocket of my jackets when I wear one) from Magnificent Mouchoirs. I used to meet the company at Scottish trade fairs. I see that it's now dormant. A year or two ago I needed a new supply of white handkerchiefs and actually found a supplier of properly edged ones. It is amazingly easy to make me happy.
ReplyDelete