| Brief Description | Snuff mull, with a black wooden barrel-shaped body, silver rim, mounts and hinges. The lid is inscribed with two entwined hearts and 'Rob Gib's Contract' (Jacobite passwords). This mull may have been made by Ferguson of Rothiemay (there is a similar snuff mull, signed by him, in Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow). Letter in file. |
| Object History Note | The object was included in the 'Rebels with a Cause' exhibition shown initially at Holyrood (Scottish Parliament), Oct 2010 - Jan 2011, then later at the New Library, University of Aberdeen, Nov 2011- Mar 2012 (opening exhibition). The exhibition featured items from Marischal Museum and Special Collections. |
| Inscription Content | Two hearts | Rob Gob's Contract |
| Caption | "Snuff mull engraved 'Rob Gib's Contract' (a Jacobite password)."
Author: Inglis,Jim & Curtis,Neil Date: 1990 Purpose: Encyclopaedia of the North-East
"The Jacobites were adherents of James VII of Scotland and his descendants, the Stuarts, believing that the British Throne should be theirs. Many momentoes and Jacobite insignia, such as this snuff mull, were carried before the rebellions and were in use for a considerable time afterwards. The dispute divided many families and eventually led to the Jacobite's defeat at the Battle of Culloden and the subsequent suppression of the Highlands by the Hanoverians. The snuff mull has an elegant wooden, fluted ovoid, barrel-shaped body and is bound with silver. On the lid around two entwined hearts is inscribed 'Rob Gib's Contract', which was a Jacobite password. Rob Gib was James V's Master of Horse and when asked what contract he served under replied, 'I serve for nae penny fee but for stark loving kindness'. This mull may have been made by Ferguson of Rothiemay."
Author: Feilden,Rosemary Date: 1999 Purpose: SCRAN
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