The
Piffle Snonker (or pavior's beetle) was one of the working tools and implements
for the VATS along with the likes of the Oast Box and mallet and block. The
sceptre like Piffle Snonker is around 18 inches long made of brass or nickel
plated heavy metal with the AOFB jolly brewer (gnome) sat on a barrel atop. They
were made by the Birmingham Medal Co. and were priced at 21/- (21 shillings , £1.05
decimal). The items were all used in the ceremony of VAT meetings.
VAT seniority was decided by Membership booklet number, and as it was likely that it was the publican who recruited blowers within the establishment he would be the Senior Blower or Chairman of the VAT. The Senior Blower would call the meeting to order once the piffle snonker, thumb screw (to preserve order and dignity) and assistant vice gargler (scrounger for the collection of fines) were in place with with the command "Shoot your Linen Blowers". Attendees would then thrust their arms forwards in an effort to reveal their shirt cuffs and cufflinks, fines ensuing for lack of cufflinks. Fines could be hefty , often at the discretion of the Chair, involving the drinking of beer from an eggcup for an hour, monetary donations to the VAT Oast Box or reportedly buying a round of drinks for all members present on occasions. As the fines could be quite harsh it is hard too imagine that cufflinks were forgotten, unless as a deliberate measure in a charitable act. Early cufflinks were known to be prone to breakages and possibly un-wearable but no fine was levied as long as all component parts of the links were presented.
The Oast Boxes and Mallet (gavel) and block were manufactured by the Birmingham Medal Co. The Oast Box was made of oak with AOFB cufflinks attached with a lock and key and a silver shield engraved with the name of the VAT and designed to look like a miniature beer barrel. They were priced at 21 shillings. The Chairman's mallet was silver plated and enamelled, again designed to look like a miniature barrel of beer, priced at 15 shillings (75 p decimal).
